Gosford Forest Park, near Markethill, Co. Armagh hosted Ulster Branch’s second competitive ride of the season on the 25th February. Grainne Maguire MRCVS vetted the ride, which saw 17 combinations successfully complete over the Bronze distances. Pleasure riders were well represented, with 54 enjoying the excellent going. This represents a very promising start to the season with 300 riders so far over the four venues.

This figure is bound to be boosted with the return of the popular pleasure ride at Craigantlet at Dundonald ride on Saturday, 3rd March (Organiser – Helen McFarland – 028 90651751). The venue is in the old TK-ECC factory at the junction of the Upper Newtownards Road and Carrowreagh Road in Dundonald. The St. Patrick’s Way pleasure ride at Saul, Downpatrick will take place on 18th March (Organiser – Dorothy Heath 028 40631834).

The next competitive ride will be at Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh (up to 50 mile CTRs) with pleasure rides on 25 March (organiser – Kathy Conly – 028 37524809).

Please note the Shane’s Castle ride has been put back one week, at the request of the landowners – 13th May (Organiser – Lorraine Giles 028 91883900)

Tollymore results –

28 miles: Judith Hyndman Ardkill Mo Robyn Catterall Holly’s Dream Flight Alex Wallace Ellanora

21 miles: Helen Perry Khataf Crusader Les Day Just C’mall Helen McFarland J St. Jake Sharon Perry Khazino Suzanne Perry Bashir Kala-Shah Katie Lennon Shaimon Dorothy Heath Tir-Na-Nog Bebhinn Schiable Ruby Maedh Schiable Leo Hannah Catterall Miss Elle Rosemary York Destiny Gemma McConnell Star Ruth Sedgeman Prince Emma McBurney Schoheen