The length of the course was always a challenge and there have always been at least 21 jumps and the length of the twisting course caught many a rider out challenging their fitness and that of the horse. Mr Conchie Senior (Mr C) usually had a different course in mind to that of the course builder but others managed to avoid this problem and complete the course intact. The competition attracted the best riders and horses in the area and in many cases from further afield. The first winner was David Reid from Balmossie on his well known horse Tollbridge and here he is with the trophy in the picture above. David is still involved with horses to this day although in other capacities than riding and jumping.

​

The original courses were designed and built by Alan Garratt, Alan Bannerman, and other helpers at Rowanlea, including Stewart Duncan who not only competed in the McGill but Stewart also designed and built this year's McGill course to give riders and horses the same challenges as the original course in 1971. This years winner Sharon Steele has won for the past 5 years, four of them on the same horse and the only person to have won the McGill in five consecutive years. Well done Sharon but look to your laurels next year! The list of all the winners since 1971 are shown below.