Woodfield Xtra takes three-year-old All Ireland at Bannow and Rathangan Show

Rosemary Connors’ homebred gelding Woodfield Xtra (by Financial Reward, out of the mare Woodfield Valier by Lucky Valier), won the three-year-old All Ireland Championship sponsored by Horse Sport Ireland and Galway Irish Crystal/Belleek China, at Bannow and Rathangan show in Wexford yesterday (Thursday).

Photo: Rosemary Connors and Woodfield Xtra (pictured above) qualified for the final at Adamstown Show. Second place went to Brooklodge Merryman, a Mermus R gelding owned by P&J O’Mahoney from Cork. The horse was bred by Derry Rothwell from the mare Greenhall Indicator who is by Limmerick. Brooklodge Merryman qualified for the final at Clonakilty Show (Photo Siobhan English)

The show is part of the The Irish Shows Association and Horse Sport Ireland All Ireland Showing Championship Series.

Speaking after the event Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald, complimented the exhibits, sponsors and organisers.

“To see such big crowds at the show again this year is fantastic and it is thanks to a huge voluntary effort by the Bannow and Rathangan Show Committee. Sponsors Galway Crystal/Belleek China have been long term supporters of the event and is great too see them continue their involvement. There was a general consensus that the standard of the horses competing was very high this year which is a tribute to their breeders and those showing them,” he said.

Damian McDonald added, “While there is understandably a strong focus on the commercial aspects of the Sport Horse sector, we should never underestimate the enjoyment and pleasure people get from participating in and attending shows like Bannow and Rathangan. Such opportunities are provided by the Irish Shows Association and voluntary committees from all over Ireland each summer and are crucial in exposing the general Public to equestrian activities. While the shows are often at the mercy of the weather and increasing expectations as regards ground conditions, particularly for Show Jumping, they are a National Treasure that everyone in the sector needs to support to ensure they continue to grow and prosper.”