Broderick posts commanding win at Mullingar International

The June bank holiday weekend saw a welcome return of top international competition at Mullingar Equestrian Centre as the venue hosted the five-day Mullingar International CSI2* Horse Show from Thursday (3 June) to Monday (7 June).

With huge entries across the five days, the Fagan family pulled out all the stops to stage this international event behind closed doors, while following COVID-19 guidelines.

Monday’s action saw Tipperary’s Greg Broderick steal the show when landing the two-star Grand Prix class, riding the Steven Smith-owned gelding Gradje O.

Of the 53 starters, just six combinations made it through to the jump off, with Broderick posting a commanding time on board the Cardento 10-year-old to claim victory by a full four seconds – the fastest of four double clear rounds.

Jason Higgins took the runner-up spot with Rincoola Milsean, while British visitor Alicia Page finished in third place with Diacento.

Broderick was in flying form as he completed the afternoon by also taking fourth place with Coolivio PS.

Derek McConnell finished fifth with Dothraki Warlord while Jenny Rankin completed the top six with Carmela Z.

Derwin dream

In the age classes, Francis Derwins’ Florida Springs came out on top in the seven-year-old final of the fifth leg of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series.

Bred by Patrick Smith, the Mermus R mare, ridden by Francis Derwin Jnr, was one of only five double clears in the seven-year-old class.

The combination had to fight off stiff competition from Ethen Ahearne and BP Winston (ISH) and Niamh McEvoy with Lisboy Louie who finished in second and third place respectively, with less than one second dividing the top three.

In the five-year-old final, four combinations jumped double clear to split the win, while in the six-year-old class, there were five clear rounds.