With sunshine overhead and a lively atmosphere around the venue from early morning, families and friends gathered to enjoy a full day of carriage driving action. Horses and ponies were turned out to perfection, while the smell of chips and burgers drifting around the lorry park probably distracted more than a few competitors walking the course.

Competitors tackled a flowing and well-designed course which tested accuracy, pace and skill, while spectators enjoyed plenty of exciting action and close competition throughout the day.

Among the winners, Mark McAleese claimed victory in the Gateway class, Jacqueline Magennis secured first place in the VSE section, and Joe McAleese took top honours in the competitive Pre-Novice class ahead of Megan McOuat, Chloe McCombe, Kate Russell and Gareth Quinn.

Further success came for Gina Morrison in the Novice Pony class, Damian Muldoon-Martin in Novice Horse, and Emma Berwick in the Novice Horse Pair section. Denise Taylor won the Open Pony class, Alex Bryson topped the Open Horse category, while Rachel Campbell won the Open Pony Pair class ahead of David Mathers and Christine Wright.

As always, events like this simply would not happen without the dedication of volunteers, stewards, judges and officials who somehow manage to keep both competitors and horses all heading in roughly the right direction.

Special thanks were extended to John Goodwin and his hardworking course-building team for producing an enjoyable and beautifully presented course. John spent much of the afternoon running from obstacle to obstacle checking everyone was on course. His enthusiasm and commitment to the sport were greatly appreciated by all involved.

The Association would also like to sincerely thank Rose Boyd and the team at Rademon Estate for their warm hospitality and for providing such a fantastic venue. This year’s event was especially significant as it marked the first time in over 15 years that the Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association had returned to Rademon — proof that good venues are worth waiting for, even if some competitors were probably teenagers the last time they drove there.

Appreciation was also expressed to JB Equine Photography, Karen Greene Photography, Keith Wilson and Frances Price along with the many other photographers who travelled to spend the day at Rademon capturing the action. Thankfully, they managed to catch plenty of stylish turns, flying wheels and smiling faces — and hopefully avoided photographing anyone having “discussions” with the cones.

The Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association thanked everyone who attended, supported and competed, helping make the Rademon 1-DE such an enjoyable and memorable occasion, and now looks forward to the rest of the 2026 season with great excitement.