The Irish Horse: Beech Hill and Rankin top of of six-year-olds

The six-year-old horses got an early morning wake up call as they were the first into the main arena on Sunday morning to contest the Cruising National Championship.

On form, nine of the 16 starters booked their place in the jump-off. Leading the victory lap was Jenny Rankin and Beech Hill Lucia. Owned by Deirdre Bourns, the mare by Luidam, and out of Elise De Champeix, was second in the qualifier on the previous Friday.

First in Philip McGuane delivered the first clear in 34.17, which later proved good enough for third. Next in, with Beech Hill Lucia, Jenny Rankin lowered the target when taking a sharp turn back to four and crossed line in 33.86. Jim Derwin followed closely behind with Deep Pockets, his time of 37.33 slotted him into eventual sixth.

Joan Greene also kept all the poles in place with CSF Vinze in 35.27 for fourth. Gemma Phelan’s clear with Mr O’Brien Two You failed to demote Rankin, but it did secure her fourth place. Their was anxious moments for Rankin, as Greg Broderick took all the tight turns with Alberta Mist and despite a gallop home, a clear in 33.89 saw him take second.

This was the second championships win for Rankin, having also won the 1.40m young rider championship the day before. Pleased with her win, she said: “It has been a great week for all the horses. This mare has been very consistent throughout the season in the studbook classes. Our aim will be the breeders classic and, hopefully, Lanaken.”