Report from the Millennium Scottish Amateur Internations Show, held at Dabbs Arena, Fife, 14th - 16th June 2000 The Scottish Equestrian, August 2000:

"The third International Amateur Nations Cup was held at Dabbs Arena in Fife from 15 to 18 June and included BSJA classes as well as the popular amateur classes.
A reception was held on Thursday night for the competitors from Germany, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as the sponsors of the various classes, with Friday heralding the start of the amateur classes.
The first amateur class was the JG Builders Stakes which was open to all, but its main purpose being as a last chance for Scottish riders to qualify for Saturday’s Amateur Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix, sponsored by Provost Veterinary Group, was open to all foreign riders as well as those Scottish riders who had qualified. This class was to also be the deciding factor regarding Scotland’s team for the competition on Sunday, as the highest placed four Scottish combinations would be selected to represent Scotland the following day. The selected riders were Nikki Slater, John Grieve, Hayley Ross and Bertie Whiteford.
After Sunday morning’s Team Warm Up, sponsored by Cairnsmill Caravan Park, St Andrews, a demonstration of “The Versatility of the Highland Pony” was given by Jo Jack and Alison Christie, commentated on by Amateur advisor and visiting commentator, Wilson Porter.

Afterwards, all the competing teams, led by JO and Alison, were piped into the arena by two pipers from the Burntisland & District Pipe Band. The afternoon’s competition was made even more interesting by the unusual commentary provided by Matt Milne in the judge’s box and Wilson Porter in the arena giving a run down of the track and the way it was jumped. A nail-biting final round involving Scotland, Ireland and Germany in an Irish victory.

Bertie Whiteford, Chairperson for the Scottish Amateurs, commented, “It has been the best Amateur show so far, seeing everyone enjoying themselves and the efforts of everyone’s hard work worthwhile. We look forward to another, even bigger and better show next year!”

Photo by Tiv

Pictured is Mike Beamish (and family), of Drambuie, sponsor of one of last years events with the winning Nations Cup team of: Ton Hogan, King Lu; DorothyO’Keefe, Deravaragh Blaze; Toni Mullen, Grecian Gold and Aden Lee, Waltzing Weasel of Ireland, with Chef-dequipe Edward Fagan. Back right is John Grieve with Travis Roma, leading Amateur rider.