Young Talent Shines at 2025 Millstreet CSI2* International Horse Show

Victories for Senan Reape, Rhys Williams, Molly Hughes-Bravo and a host of young Irish Talent.

Millstreet, Ireland – July 30th 2025 – The 2025 Millstreet CSI2 International Horse Show concluded with an exhilarating week of competition at the scenic Green Glens Arena, highlighting the depth of young talent emerging on both national and international stages.

Senan Reape (IRL) headlined the week with a sensational victory in the CSI2* Millstreet Grand Prix, producing one of only four double clear rounds aboard Creevagh Special — a 10-year-old gelding owned and bred by his father, Jonathan Reape (by Ramiro de Haar, out of a Harlequin du Carel dam). Set to turn 17 next week, Reape demonstrated remarkable composure and precision over a technical track designed by Klaus Holle (GER). Earlier in the week, Holle had noted his aim to see around 10 clear rounds in the first stage of the Grand Prix — and eight riders delivered, setting up a fiercely competitive jump-off.

With all top four riders jumping fault-free across both rounds, the result came down to time. Reape emerged fastest, narrowly beating Michael Pender (IRL), who claimed second place with Magsdelane Louis (ISH), owned by Annemarie Pender, while Francis Connors (IRL) took third with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal (ISH), owned by Francie Jenny and Kate Connors. Leading lady went to Millstreet regular Annabel Shields (GBR) sponsored by Oonagh Kennedy of Team KEC Style.

In the hotly contested €38,000 Boomerang Final for 6/7-Year-Old Horses, Rhys Williams (IRL) emerged victorious riding Coco Douglas, a 7-year-old mare by Douglas VDL out of a Pacino dam, owned by Kristina O’Neill and bred by Maria Griffin. Williams adds his name to the prestigious Boomerang roll of honour — a class that has launched the careers of many top riders. To add to William’s accolades, he finished 4th in the Millstreet International Grand Prix on Williams Sporthorses Ltd Preston Van ‘T Reebroeck.

Returning Boomerang champion Molly Hughes Bravo (POR) once again impressed with a strong performance, riding the Hughes Sport Horses homebred HHS Evora to victory in the Millstreet Ruby Championship for 5-year-old horses (by Stakkato Gold out of Shannondale Naomi). Her consistent results continue to highlight her growing international reputation. Molly also taking the leading lady prize in The Millstreet Ruby & Boomerang Championship.

Thomas Duggan, Show Organiser spoke about the new format the Ruby & Boomerang Classes:

“The Ruby and Boomerang competitions are a proud part of Millstreet’s heritage. With the new format and increased prize fund introduced this year, the level of competition has reached new heights. Requiring horses to jump consistently over both days has rewarded the most deserving champions, and we’re thrilled to see such exceptional talent showcased at the show.”

The Millstreet Ruby & Boomerang Classes featured €6,000 in breeder’s prizes funded by the Breeding Grant Initiative under National Breeding Services with thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland.

Katie Nallon (IRL) from Co. Mayo at the age of 18 was another standout, notching two national wins with Aganix Summer Tokyo Drift, a mare owned by Bob Sweeney, and topping the ClipMyHorse 1.35m Two Phase International class aboard Mulvin Cliodam. She also secured an impressive 6th place finish in the CSI2* Grand Prix riding CW Luiboutain, rounding out a remarkable week across divisions.

Also excelling on home soil, Stephen Gibbons (IRL) recorded a personal best international result on home soil, finishing 3rd in the €28,000 Connolly’s RED MILLS Millstreet Masters Grand Prix Qualifier aboard Cassius Z — an outstanding performance that reflected both horse and rider’s growing form on the international circuit.

Rounding out the major results, Michael Pender (IRL) — currently ranked World No. 2 in the FEI U25 Jumping Rankings and No. 9 in the Longines FEI Jumping World Rankings — had an exceptional week. He took second place in the Boomerang Final with HHS Venice (ISH owned by Antonio Bravo) and finished runner-up in the Grand Prix on Magsdelane Louis (ISH, owned by his mother Annemarie Pender) as well as eight on Marion Hugh’s HHS Fortune (ISH).

With entries from across Europe and a strong field of domestic talent, Millstreet once again confirmed its reputation as a key fixture on the international equestrian calendar.

Show Organiser Thomas Duggan expressed his appreciation for all involved:

“It’s been another fantastic week in Millstreet. The depth of talent we’ve seen — particularly from Ireland’s young riders — is truly inspiring. We are especially grateful to the sponsors who have come on board this year, to our loyal judges and officials whose expertise and dedication make this show possible, and to the riders who continue to return and make Millstreet a key fixture in their annual calendar. Their ongoing support is what keeps this event growing year after year.”

The 2025 Millstreet CSI2* International Horse Show not only celebrated success in the arena but also highlighted the strength of Irish breeding, rider development, and the vibrant future of show jumping on home soil. 

Photo Credit & Official photographer Tadhg Ryan Bit-Media

All Show Results: Equipe