The top 10 finishing scores on Irish soil this season showcase the most precise, polished performances in the country — and RED MILLS riders are leading the way. With four of the ten best scores achieved by RED MILLS-supported combinations, their team continues to set the standard for consistency and competitive excellence. Let’s take a closer look at the RED MILLS riders who started low… and stayed there.

The top 10 finishing scores on Irish soil in 2025

The RED MILLS riders in the top 10

Carla Williamson has delivered the standout performance of the year on Irish soil — securing both the lowest finishing score (23.9) and the best High Performance Rating (HPR) in Ireland in 2025 — 99. The two-time pony medalist continues her impressive upward trajectory following a dominant 2024 season, where she achieved a perfect 100% Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP) record in the RED MILLS-supported OBP League aboard Janet Williamson’s Galco.

At Millstreet CCI1*, Carla Williamson and Karolita O made an instant impression on their international debut by leading the 63-strong field from start to finish. The pair delivered a flawless performance to finish on 23.9 — the third-best finishing score at CCI1* level globally so far this season. Previously campaigned up to 3* by Suzanne Hagan, Carla and Karolita O have proved themselves as an exciting new partnership. 

Junior rider Ciara O’Connor claimed her second international win with a standout performance at Ballindenisk CCI1*, finishing on a personal best score of 27.0. The victory was especially impressive as it marked the international debut for Ciara's 6-year-old partner, Ashwood Rio.

Since that breakthrough win, the pair have continued their upward momentum, most recently competing and jumping clear cross country at their first CCI2*-S together in Jardy. Ciara’s success is a great example of Ireland’s next generation — talented young riders producing young horses and delivering results on the international stage.

Kilkenny-based British rider John Tilley partnered with Wellfields Casino Royale, finished on their dressage score of 28.5, just 0.5 penalties behind winner Joseph Murphy and Rehy Royal Diamond. Out of John's 45 international starts, this was his lowest finishing score yet.

Since this result, the horse has moved on to a new home with Shashank Kanumuri who is based in Great Britain. With this horses ability to produce such impressive dressage tests, with six sub-30 tests out of 13 internationals, this new combination are one to keep an eye on.

Sam Watson secured victory in the CCI2*-L at Ballindenisk aboard the 7-year-old Ballybolger Goldman — their first win and the gelding's first long-format competition. Sam posted the horse’s best international dressage score to date (27.1), setting themselves up an impressive finishing score of 28.7. Remarkably, that’s only Sam’s fourth-lowest finishing score at international level — with his top three all coming at CCI4*-S. This result marked Sam’s 13th international win and his sixth at Ballindenisk — an outstanding track record at a singular venue.

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