Great Britain notched up an incredible 6^th win this evening as Anna Edwards rode to victory in the €50,000 Millstreet International Grand Prix. The 28 year-old had no problem with course designer Mark McGowan’s challenging Grand Prix course and jumped clear in the first and second round riding “Diaghilev;” a nine year old bay gelding by Vanglis Z and owned by Terry Payne. Based in North Somerset, Anna is trained by world renowned riders Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton as well as Commandant John Ledingham through the Equine Pathway.

With the points and a half on offer at the final stage of the GBI (Great Britain and Ireland Tour), Anna secured 15 points, putting her just one ahead of fellow British contender Joe Clayton and meaning she leaves Millstreet with an additional leading rider prize worth €5,000.

Forty riders came forward in the feature class of the week at the Millstreet International Horse Show and less than a second behind the winner; having also jumped a double clear was British rider Daniel Nielsen with “Varo M.” Best of the Irish was Richard James Howley in 3^rd position with “Camiro De Haar Z.”

Record crowds have been enjoying superb weather conditions and top-class International showjumping during the week and this continued on the final day, despite the odd shower. Earlier in the afternoon, Jill Twomey was on hand to present Daren Hopkins with the inaugural Hitchmough Bursary. From Co. Mayo, the young rider will benefit from three days training and associated travel expenses with Irish Olympian Billy Twomey in the UK.

Other winners on the final day of action at the Co. Cork venue included William Funnell and Billy Mexico in the Millstreet Boomerang and Guy Williams recording his third International win of the week in the Consolation class with Torino Van De Middelstede.

Since Tuesday afternoon, nearly 8,000 competitors have partaken in 93 classes with a combined prize fund of just under €200,000. Speaking on the closing day, Millstreet International Horse Show Director Thomas Duggan declared the show to be a resounding success. “This was a  great week for the Green Glens Arena and for Irish equestrian sport. After a challenging few years we can finally look forwards rather than backwards and focus on making Millstreet a truly unmissable part of the International showjumping calendar.”

Speaking at the International Rider’s Reception on Thursday evening, Noel C. Duggan acknowledged the financial support from IRD Duhallow under the LEADER programme. Improvements to the venue were warmly received by visiting riders; include the installation of 500 International standard stables, new custom-made showjumps and an improved internal administration system.

Due to recent cancellations there will be two legs of the
Red Mills Munster Grand Prix league 1.30m(S) with €2,000 for each held on Thursday and Friday of Millstreet International Horse Show. Entries online and declarations to show office the day before each class.

Jill Twomey and the Millstreet International Horse Show committee are pleased to announce details of the inaugural ‘Hitchmough Bursary’ to be presented at the 2012 show.

The recipient of the Bursary will receive the opportunity to travel to the UK with their horse and receive 3 days training with Irish Olympic showjumper Billy Twomey. The Bursary includes accommodation and a contribution to travel expenses for the winning horse and rider.

The Hitchmough Bursary is being offered in memory of Iris & Avril Hitchmough; the founders of Hitchmough’s Riding School in Monkstown, Co. Cork. Both Iris & Avril had a lifelong association with the Irish equestrian scene that included hunting, racing and point-to-pointing, but it was in show-jumping that Avril excelled under the guidance of Iris; a lifelong member of the Showjumping Association of Ireland and also President of Cork/Kerry Showjumping Branch. Avril and Iris had a strong involvement in Irish pony teams in the late 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s including the Bronze medal winning team at Millstreet in 1989 and the Silver medallists at Hanover, Germany in 1990. In 1996, Avril was responsible for taking a group of children and young riders to South Africa to compete on behalf of Ireland on South African horses – the first time such an event took place. Closer to home, Avril’s course building technique brought Munster showjumping to a new level and led to stronger performances on a national stage. Avril was proactive in organising the first amateur showjumping series in Munster, with the inaugural final held at Millstreet in 1988. That series, now known as the “Sportsman” lives on today.

Competitors in the 1.20m Young Rider class at Millstreet International Horse Show 2012 will be eligible for the Hitchmough Bursary. The winners of the qualifiers on Thursday and Saturday will join the 1.20 Young Rider Final winner on Sunday afternoon and jump against the clock in the Main International Arena for the chance to win the bursary.

Speaking at the launch of the “Hitchmough Bursary,” Jill Twomey (mother of Billy) said; “Billy started his career in Hitchmough’s Riding School and I hope that this Bursary will go somewhere in helping a Young Riders dream come one step closer to reality.’

Millstreet International Horse Show director Thomas Duggan said; “Millstreet Horse Show is proud of its reputation in helping to bring on our younger riders. The opportunity to train with Billy Twomey will no doubt help the Bursary recipient on the road to success and hopefully future Olympic games!”