A convoy of Hollybrook boxes headed off early Sunday morning last from four different yards all headed in the direction of Mullingar for the show jumping championships. Joanne headed off first with Kiwi followed by Helena driving Sarah and Jack, Joyce with George, Brigid with Apollo, Gill driving Jenny, Saskia and Reuben and Barbara chauffering Lucy with Ben. Barbara complained we all drove too fast but we couldnt get her over 40 on the motorway! (joking)
The weather got progressively worse the nearer we got to Mullingar and we all knew we were in for a soaking but didn't realise that we would actually be drowned!

Joanne was the first to go finishing 6th in the morning qualifier with just 4 faults and in the championship class in the afternoon had just one down. These were big fences! Well done Joanne.
Next to go Jenny was clear first round and had four faults in the second. Reuben was jumping really well and it was just a bit of bad luck This was to be the pattern for the day with the same outcome for Joyce, Brigid and Lucy who each had one down against the clock in the Intermediate class. Joyce had a super time score and would have been right up there if not for the one down. Brigid surprised herself by having a go against the clock and wasnt too far behind!
Sarah bucked the trend with a smashing double clear but unfortunately had a stop in the championship with a momentary loss of attention by Jack.Good stuff Sarah!

Well done to all and a big thank you to Helena who guided us all through our warm ups and preparation and was constantly rained upon.

In the afternoon after a Derby course walk and a strong pep talk from Helena, Joyce and Brigid decided to give it a go. Ground conditions were awful and everyone was soaked through. Brigid went off first and Apollo locked on to his fences to give a lovely round over serious obstacles with just 8 faults and a time penalty. Brigid was on cloud nine..
Then, the High point of the day, Joyce and George completed a fantastic round in a really good time with just four faults and we knew she was in with a good chance as very few competitors had less than 8 faults with a lot falling off and fences being decimated!
We adjourned to the club house to have some lunch and get out of the pouring rain and we waited and waited until all the other Derby Competitors had gone and there were millions of them. We sent Joyce out at regular intervals to see had they finished and eventually heard the winner called out. JOYCE DEMPSEY What a fantastic win on a tough course against so many competitors and Joyce and George made it look so easy and tidy. Congratulations Joyce!!
A great day was had by all and we arrived home tired and wet but happy but not so tired that we didnt manage to raise a glass or two to Joyce in celebration.

------------Next week One Day Event Marguerite Lodge.--------------------------

(A big thankyou to Brigid who sent in the report .... and Sam for the photo)