Wednesday's first qualifier for the Connolly’s RED MILLS 7 & 8 year old International final at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show, saw Irish riders dominate the prizes, filling five of the top six places. Tipperary’s Liam O’Meara claimed the winner’s prize with the Jacomar-sired seven-year-old Curraghgraigue Jack Take Fligh. They finished over a second ahead of Connolly’s RED MILLS brand ambassador Bertram Allen who took runner-up spot with the Chaman stallion Cheese W Z. Galway’s Thomas O’Brien finished third with another stallion, Hector Van D'Abdijhoeve, while Nicholas Butler slotted into fourth place with Rincoola Rua. Marion Hughes finished fifth with Laith, while Olympic team gold medal winner, Britain’s Ben Maher, took sixth place with Diablo VII. The top 20 combinations from qualifiers held across Ireland have arrived at the RDS arena in Ballsbridge, where they have been joined by a further 20 International combinations as the quest to be crowned 2015 Connolly’s RED MILLS international champion continues. The second qualifier for the Connolly’s RED MILLS 7 & 8 year old International final will take place in the RDS main arena on Friday at 10.45am, with the final itself taking place on Sunday morning at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.
