Following from a successful show at Balmoral, Jonathan Smyth claimed victory in the TRM/HSI New Heights Champion Series at Ballinasloe last Sunday. Riding Mulvin Lui, he was one of only two double clears in a time of 41.37. Owned by Noletta Smyth and Roy Craig, this nine-year-old gelding is by Luidam and out off the Baron De Chantepie sired dam, Castleconnor Baron.

Kilkenny junior rider, Seamus Hughes Kennedy delivered the other double clear with Louis Dor, in 45.58 for second place. Turning 17 this August, Kennedy is the son of Clare Hughes and Melvyn Kennedy. His major achievements to date include winning the FEI Pony Jumping Trophy in December 2017 in Belgium, winning the RDS six/seven-year-old final 2016 and 2017 and getting selected for Pony European Championship in 2017, where he finished seventh individually.

Louis Dor is the former mount of Paddy O’ Donnell, the 15-year-old gelding is by Landcapitiol and out of Gina (Grannus). This combination successfully qualified for the Dublin Horse Show in Cavan at the beginning of May.

FOUR FAULTERS

Based with Marion Hughes in Kilkenny, Mikey Pender finished third when he was the fastest of the four faulters with Casanova Overis Z, in a time of 38.52. No strangers to success at this level, this combination finished runner-up in the Grand Prix in Millstreet CSI2* and have clocked up a series of good results on the international circuit. Owned by Miguel Bravo, Casanova Van Overis Z was bred by G Lenaerts and is by Casper Van Erpekom Z and out of Eau De Parfum Van Overis.

International event rider Elizabeth Power partnered Doonaverragh O One into fourth place, when she had one down in 41.21. Francis Connors also posted a quick round with Erne Lady Goldilocks, but it came at a price as he too had one down in a time of 42.94, for fifth. Bred and owned by Hugh Fitzpatrick from Cavan, this 12-year-old mare is by VDL Douglas and out of Erne Touch.

Winner of the National Grand Prix in Barnadown and placed third in the International Grand Prix in Balmoral, Tholm Keane added to his tally, when he finished sixth with BMH Big Time, crossing the line in 46.61 carrying four faults.

VICTORY FOR POWER

On Saturday, Elizabeth Power won the Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix at Ballinasloe again aboard Doonaverragh O One. This 18-year-old gelding has been off the national circuit since Cavan 2017, but his experience stood to him as this partnership posted the fastest of eight double clears in a time of 37.28.

Owned by Power Doonaverragh O One is by High Roller and out of the Diamond Lad sired dam, Doonaverragh Diamond.

At 17 years-old, Leaving Certificate student Jack Ryan added to his impressive record sheet, when he filled second place with the ever reliable Cavalier Teaca, finishing in 37.85. Ryan, who was one of the youngest riders to win a National Grand Prix, is having a successful season in both the young rider and senior ranks. He booked his place to the RDS in the young rider division, when he won the qualifier in the Meadows. He was also fifth with Essenar High Hopes in the New Heights Champion series in the Meadows.

Placed third in this Grand Prix last year, Tim Mac Donagh returned to take third again with Hollypark Galloway, stopping the clock in 38.48.

Owned by Jackie Lee, and bred by John Mc Cann, this nine-year-old gelding is by Castlelawn Galloway and out of the Diamond sired mare, Whitestown Diamond.

McCann has four other offspring registered by the dam. A half-sister by Touchdown (Gelvins Touch) is competing on the international circuit up to CSI4* level with Dermott Lennon. Another half-brother by Cobra (Patronus) has also had much success in eventing

Jonathan Smyth once again featured in the line-up when he slotted into fourth place with Ann Doherty’s Crystal Tom, clear in 38.69. The nine-year-old gelding is by Silvano and is out of the Graf Magna-sired dam, Lady Graf.

Eddie Moloney partnered Caroline Telsch’s Andimix Hero Z into fifth place when clear in 39.10. Also, a nine-year-old, this gelding is by Aganix du Seigneur and is out of Boetia Hero (Andiamo Z).

Not content with second place, Jack Ryan also completed the top six line-up with Money Broom Dancer, when stopping the clock in 42.84. This nine-year-old gelding is by Je Taime Flamenco and out of the Zion-sired dam, Ekstein.