The team from Ireland (Samantha Dale, Dee Vee Dale; Laura Cloworthy & So Gentle; Sarah Smillie & Simply Ted and Jane Kealey and Streeve Diamond) won the competition after two rounds without the need for a jump-off against the clock. It was down to the anchor rider for the Scottish team, Dawn Shaw with Billy Forysth’s Kelso Billabong, to force Ireland into a head-to-head jump off, but with the third last fence falling, it was enough to give the Irish the win.
The Scottish team qualifying from the MacDonald Rusacks Hotel sponsored Amateur Grand Prix held on Saturday comprised, Dawn Shaw, Kelso Billabong (winner of the Amateur Grand Prix), Pamela Reid with Good Chance, Louise Nelson and Olivetti de Epinsette and Pamela Stevens, with Tommy Gatherum’s Ashley SP.
Unfortunately due to late withdrawals and the non-arrivals of some English and Welsh riders, their teams were unable to form, but one representative from each country joined forces with an Australian and a Scotsman to make a multi-national team. A team of riders from Aberdeen also competed, as did the Scottish team who performed so well in Germany in April 2006.
The competition was thoroughly enjoyed by those taking part and spectators alike. The team parade was lead by local piper, Gary Player (15) from Cupar.
The show was very well supported with competitor numbers significantly up on 2005 and this is an encouraging trend. The Southern Cross Healthcare Grand Prix with a prize of £200 was won by Kelly Fitzgerald and Light ’N’ Sassy whilst the Novice Grand Prix saw the first prize of £100 being collected by Irish rider Samantha Dale and Dee Vee Dale, for the second year running.
Everyone who competed in the unaffiliated ring enjoyed the competition over the three days with the team from Argyll, comprising of Elizabeth McNab with Rhythm N Blue, Christina Ferguson and Black Magic, Jemma Samborek and Fennywood Slipper and Sarah Finlay with India II winning the team competition in this particular ring on Sunday.
Other class winners included Dan Ockenden with John Grieve’s Saint Hermelle in the 1.30m Open and again in the 1.25m Open with Rea Diamond. Local rider Sandra Low Mitchell won the Lundin Links Welcome Stakes with Ritmique, with Alan Spalding taking the money with Uber in the 1.20m Open.
The top amateur rider of the three days of the show was Dawn Shaw who collected a number of prizes from Baileys Horse Feeds and a trophy for her efforts.
Once again a number of plaudits were offered by spectators and competitors in relation to the layout, classes and organisation of the show. Many of the competitors appreciated having low entry fees, whilst reaping the benefits of the generous prize money on offer. Our grateful thanks to go all our sponsors and supporters for their generosity. Comments received by the SAIS Committee are appreciated and we will endeavour to keep the cost of entry as low as is economically possible for years to come.
Improvements are already on the way for 2007 where it is hoped that prize money will be increased and other classes provided for the benefit of all competitors. Interest has been expressed from a number of other countries for 2007 when it is hoped that the show will be once again multi-national.
The SAIS Committee would like to encourage more spectators to the event, which will be held from Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September in 2007, not only to watch the thrills and spills of the sport of showjumping, but also to support the demonstrators and exhibitors and browse round the trade stands and stalls.
Qualifiers for next year’s show start on Sunday 8th October with monthly unaffiliated showjumping days at Balcormo Stud, by Leven commencing 11am. Classes from novice (60cm) to open. More dates and venues to follow.
For more information visit www.sais.org.uk or contact us on 01382 552212 / 07740 575584. |
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