Tag Archives: Horse

Polo Tournament at Ballindenisk – 23-24/06/2018

On 23rd and 24th, June E.C.C.G. headed once again to Ballindenisk near Watergrasshill, Co. Cork, to view their second Polo Tournament of the Season. Basked in glorious sunshine, the weekend could not have been better for those taking part in what were ideal conditions.

There were three Cups to play for, namely: The Surgeons Cup, The Medics Cup and The Interns Cup with teams taking part from as far away as Co. Tyrone. The Surgeons Cup was the first match with Knapton taking on Ballindenisk. Unfortunately, the visiting side proved too strong for Ballindenisk and the Cup went to Knapton.

Valley Farm was the next team to take to the field to face the CIT Students to play for the Interns Cup. Valley Farm proved the dominant team in this match and claimed the spoils.

The Medics Cup had four teams taking part. In round 1, Curraghmore faced Rocklow and Tyrone took on Pegus Horse Feeds. Rocklow beat Curraghmore to earn a place in the final. Tyrone and Pegus played a very close match but Pegus clinched a win in the final moments earning them the second place in the final. In the subsidiary final, Tyrone proved the stronger side by beating Curraghmore. The final proved to be a very exciting match with a tight scoreline until the final chukka when Pegus pushed into the lead to take the Cup.

Despite the sizzling temperatures, we witnessed a terrific display of fast, open play on the field with all players giving 100 %. It was a fantastic weekend’s entertainment and E.C.C.G were delighted to be there to capture the action.

Click here to see a gallery of images from the day. Enjoy!

 – Eileen Upton

 

Courtmacsherry Strand Races – 10/07/2016

Courtmacsherry Racing FOS-9

The poor weather was a disappointment for everyone concerned but couldn’t dampen the excitement at Courtmacsherry Strand Races held in the west Cork town on Sunday 10th July 2016.

Courtmacsherry Racing DB-10The oval track is on a sandbank that can only be used at low tide and is accessible only via a temporary bridge by pedestrians. On our arrival, groups of stewards in hi-vis vests were busy putting the final touches to the track, installing the marker posts, winning post, starting rope and the all important last-lap bell. Being at the mercy of the tide, racing had to get underway so at a little after 3pm the runners and riders in the first race came onto the track having splashed their way through the low water. The young jockeys, in their colourful silks and tinted goggles, looked totally enthused and up for the contest as they loosened out their horses with a few short strides on the sandbank prior to lining up at the start.

Courtmacsherry Racing FOS-3Then, with encouragement being roared from the spectators on the road, they were off on several circuits of the course, sand flying in all directions as they galloped at full tilt around the track. The final lap bell signalled the last chance for the jockeys to squeeze the last bit out of their mounts and was also a signal for us that we had just one more time to get  a decent photo of this race.

Courtmacsherry Racing DB-20Then, to the sound of applause from across the water, the muddy-faced horses and jockeys crossed the finish line and while the winner headed for the parade ring to accept the prize, the others stabled their horses and prepared for the next race. This was repeated several times over and was a fantastic event despite the poor weather. Definitely one for the calendar next year.

Well done all in Courtmacsherry.


Click here to see a gallery of images from this shoot.