Show jumping wins for Byrne and Garrigan

There were two opportunities for riders chasing points in the SJI National Grand Prix league. On Thursday, Bannow and Rathangan played host to the first of those rounds. This is one of the most popular agricultural shows in the country and spectators lined the sides of the arena to watch the €5,000 Jim Bolger sponsored class.

Kilkenny’s Vincent Byrne took the honours riding Mr Rockefeller, jumping clear in 40.87 seconds. The 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding was bred by Bart O’Connor and is by Ard Vdl Douglas and out of the Kings Servant sired dam, Kings Aire. Bought as a three-year-old in Goresbridge sales by Clem McMahon, he was later sold to James Weldon as a five-year-old and since then he has been campaigned by Byrne. They have been a successful pairing, winning at young rider level and the gelding was instrumental in Byrne winning the National Grand Prix league in 2014.

Iirish horses dominate

Once again Irish horses featured strongly in this round, claiming six of the top seven places.

First to go against the clock, Captain Geoff Curran with Drumiller Lough. A clear round in 41.92 left them in second. Bred by Paul Dillon, the 15 year-old gelding, is by Heartbreaker and out of Pearl River. Dillion registered seven offspring from the mare, and used Heartbreaker on three occasions.

Last in, Darryl Walker didn’t hang about and finished third with the big striding Kiss N Fly. Owned and bred by Laura Durkin the nine-year-old gelding is by Guidam and out of Coolamber. The Durkins have three other offspring registered, using the clone Cruising Encore, and French Paradox twice.

The last of the double clears was delivered by Mark O’Sullivan, Thatz Amore (Holst) (Cassini I X Uma Sofia) in 52.70, for eventual fourth. Last year’s winners, Francis Connors and Hyperion also proved out of luck when faulting at the first part of the double in 42.04, for fifth. Bred and owned by Bobby Flynn, Hyperion comes from an impressive breeding line. The 13-year-old gelding is by Lux Z and out of Flynn’s Mare Cruiseway who was campaigned by Connors to the highest level.

The first part of the double also caught out Gemma Phelan and GRC Acapella who finished in sixth. Bred and owned by Rory Costigan, the eight year-old gelding is by Luidam and out of the Aldato sired, Ballydoolagh Amiee Sunrise.

JAG Equestrian

On Sunday, the action moved to Jag Equestrian in Kildare. 21 combinations took up the challenge. MHS La Scala, ridden by young rider Matt Garrigan, lodged the fastest of the three double clears to win the class. This success comes on the back of Garrigan finishing second in Bolesworth CSI2* and Rotterdam CSIU25-A earlier this year.

Bred by the late Ita Brennan, MHS La Scala is by Verdi and out of Lady Ligustra (Cavalier Royale). The 10-year-old mare is a half-sister to BallyPatrick Mystique (Heritage Fortunus), who was campaigned by Greg Broderick to Grand Prix level. Jack Ryan is also campaigning another half-brother (MHS Quinton) a seven year-old by Quintender.

Captain Geoff Curran and Drumiller Lough filled second place. Winner of the Spring Tour at Jag in February, Frank Curran and Oliver Twister (ISH), finished third. Owned by Heffron Equine and bred by Sydney Cranston from Monaghan, the 10-year-old is by Oliver and out of the Don Juan De La Bouverie sired dam, Skerrymores Don One. The chesnut gelding was originally bought by Harvey Smith (IRL) in Cavan as a four-year-old and was campaigned for a short time by Francis Connors in 2016.

Liam O’Meara added more points to his tally when fourth with Mr Coolcaum. Louis Gates-Hardiman and Erasmus vd Heffinck (Cartier vd Heffinck x Anka van ‘t Lozerhof) also had a pole on the floor for fifth. Completing the top six was Joan Greene and CSF Vinze.