Junior European Champion, Kate Derwin proved a popular winner of the 1.35m Showjumping Ireland (SJI) Autumn Grand Prix at Mullingar on Saturday. Riding Deep Pockets, Derwin was the fastest of eight clear rounds in a time of 39.31.

Owned by Jim Derwin and bred by Charles Pidgeon, the 10-year-old gelding is by O.B.O.S Quality 004 and out of the Cruising-sired dam, Simple Chic. He is a half-brother to LCC Empty Pockets (Indoctro), who has also jumped up to Grand Prix level.

Derwin featured again in the line-up, jumping double clear but in a slower time of 53.45 to finish eighth with Luidam De La Cruise (HSI). The eight-year-old gelding was bred by Sean Nugent and is by Luidam and out of another Cruising-sired dam, Liberty Cruise.

Daniel Fitzgerald finished second with Caleandra (40.23). Owned by Jag Equestrian, this KWPN mare is by Caleandro and out of the Concorde-sired dam, Rilliane.

Thomas O’Brien was less than a second behind with Miss Darco in 41.05 for third. Owned by O’Brien, the nine-year-old mare, who was bred by Sinead Connelly, is by Darco and out of the Drossan-sired dam, Green Sleeps Divine.

Green Sleeps Divine was campaigned by the owner, Sinead Connelly, on the national circuit with much success.

Accounting for fourth was Olive Clarke riding Clonguish Vivaro, who clocked 43.99. Owned and bred by Brendan Jordan from Co Longford, this 10-year-old gelding is by Vivaldo Van Het Costersveild and out of Clonguish Gold (Tanaos). His dam was campaigned by Aisling Byrne in the lower levels.

Wesley Ryan was fifth with Quinar de Cassini (46.88). The 13-year-old German-bred stallion is by Quinar and out of the Cassini I-sired dam, L-Karina.

Completing the top six line-up was Capt. Geoff Curran and Tempo Manor (47.59). Bred by Noel Wright, the seven-year-old gelding is by Sligo Candy Boy and is out of Roxy Lux (Lux Z). Seventh place went to another eight-year-old – Milchem Gorgeous. Owned by Katharina Wildling and partnered by Brendan Murphy, the mare was competing at this level for the first time. She was bred by Ralph Conroy and is by Contra A and out of the Classic Vision-sired dam, Milchem Classic Lady.

Smyth strikes

Leading the victory lap in the 1.40m SJI Autumn Grand Prix on Sunday was Jonathan Smyth and Crystal Tom, when they were fastest of the four double clears in 49.12. Not content with the win, Smyth also finished second with Mulvin Lui (51.09).

Capt. Geoff Curran was not far behind finishing in a time of 51.94 with Dowth Hall to claim third place. Edward Doyle and Gina Prescott’s Billy Guilder were fourth in 56.86. Thomas O’Brien and Miss Darco slotted into fifth as the fastest four faulters in 45.01. Thomas Foley and Kingsborough Verdiva (ISH) were sixth, finishing on four faults in 47.93.

HSI Foal Qualifier

Coilog recently hosted the fifth round of the Horse Sport Ireland foal qualifiers which was judged by Jane Darragh and Diane Gibson (eventing)and Ned Campion and Brendan Doyle (show jumping).

The championship aims to reward breeders who have bred a foal with the potential to be competitive at the highest level of show jumping or eventing and boasts a total prize fund of almost €24,000.

The horse foal show jumping section was won by Jerry Lenihan’s filly foal by Ganesh Hero Z (ZANG) out of Marissa B (ISH), by Radolin (KWPN). The horse foal eventing section was won by Patrick Wafer with a colt foal by Tyson (KWPN) out of Parkmore Evita (ISH), by Ghareeb (TB).

The pony foal show jumping section was won by Pat Lynch’s colt foal by Moonlight Silver Shadow (CP) out of Benny’s Girl (CP), by Kilkea Island (CP). The pony eventing section was won by Helen Troughton with a colt by Masurenfuerst (TRAK) out of Honeyhill Lady (CP), by Robe Earl (CP).