Carolann Dowling riding Bonita Bay (IRE) won the Treo Eile Thoroughbred Award at the Connolly’s RED MILLS sponsored AIRC National Show Jumping Championships in July.

The Killcarrick rider ended up with the highest score of the three thoroughbreds competing at the championships who were eligible for consideration to win the €100 training bursary.

Carolann said a few words about herself and Bonita Bay (IRE) – “Bonita Bay (IRE) (Annie) is y7yo thoroughbred she’s a homebred out of the stud’s foundation mare (Ozone). Annie is flatbred but loves her jumping and life. Our adventure began when Annie didn’t excel in her racing career, and she was offered to me to retrain. It has been an interesting process for both of us as we are still both learning together. I signed up with Treo Eile which has been so beneficial for our training for both horse and jockey. It’s great to be back competing in the Riding Club after many years. We have started to do some x-country schooling now, so fingers crossed as I’d love to return to eventing next year. I’m glad that we have done Pier House Stud proud it’s great to prove that my ex-racehorse could be anything. ”

Treo Eile connects, supports and promotes second-career options for thoroughbreds when their racing careers are over.

Owners of thoroughbreds are asked to register their horses on www.treoeile.com (FOR FREE), as this data assists Treo Eile in obtaining the funding to provide these bursaries.