It was a worthwhile journey from Kilkenny to Maryville for Jack Ryan as he claimed the top two places in the SJI Autumn Grand Prix on Sunday. Ryan posted the winning round with Cavalier Teaca – the fastest of nine double clears in 39.05 seconds. Owned by Jack’s mother, Marguerite, Cavalier Teaca is a 12-year-old mare. Bred by Barry Kiernan, she is by Glidawn Diamond, out of the Cavalier Royale-sired mare, Teaca.

Adding to his tally, Ryan finished second with Essenar High Hopes, when clear in 41.06. Owned by Anne Marie Fagan, the Danish gelding was bred by Ardn Deters and is by Phin Phin and out of an Indoctro-sired dam, Leni-Jo. Ryan has produced this horse through the ranks, recording a number of good results along the way, including winning the Irish Breeders’ Classic seven and eight-year-old final in 2018.

Ryan, who completed his Leaving Cert this year, is trained by Eddie Moloney and has represented Ireland on a number of occasions, he was on four Junior European show jumping teams and three Children on Horses teams, winning team bronze in 2018 and 2019 as a junior. Based at home in Kilkenny Ryan is operating his own yard with the help of his mother, Marguerite.

This year Ryan won the seven/eight-year-old championship at the Irish Breeders’ Classic with David Cullen’s Filouandra. He also had a successful Dublin Horse Show, winning two classes.

He has had a host of wins on the senior circuit and was part of the team that travelled to the World Young horse championships in Lanaken, competing on J’Adore and BBS Mcgregor.

Rest of the leaderboard

Derek McConnell added to his tally, when he finished third with Dothraki Warlord, stopping the clock in 43.02. Bred by Patrick J Kearns and owned by Sorcha Hennessy, this seven-year-old gelding is by Mermus R (KWPN) out of the Diamant De Semilly (SF)-sired dam, Tiamo Diamant (SF).

Little separated the next two placings as Maura Counihan crossed the line with Killerisk Minnie in 43.28. Bred by John Breen from Kerry and owned by Counihan, this a 16-year-old mare by Corghano out of the Vasco-sired mare, Vasco Clover. Less than half a second back was Patrick Hickey and Quandurina in 43.54.

Derek McConnell claimed another place in when he kept all the poles in place with the seven-year-old Longfield Quinlui, in 44.16. McConnell, who is based in Kildare, is no stranger to producing young horses. Another one from his stable and one to watch is DBS Looks Royale. This seven-year-old, who was bred by Derek Jennings is by Lux Z and is out of the Cavalier Royale mare, Erin’s Cavalier, had just one pole down in the first round. This mare is moving up the ranks this year, with a series of good results at 1.35m level.

Kernan EC

Another round of the SJI Autumn Grand Prix league took place in Kernan’s Equestrian in Crossmaglen. Paul Carberry claimed victory here, jumping clear with Brandownview First Edition in 25.30. Bred by Seamus Drea from Kilkenny, the nine-year-old gelding is by Douglas Cavalier out of the Balda Beau-sired mare Brandonview Lady.

This combination have had a host of excellent results on the national circuit and was crowned the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer tour champions.

Second went to John Floody and Donevan Erkindale, he was fractions behind in 25.82. Owned by Kevin and Geralyn Thompson, this 11-year-old KWPN gelding is by Unaniem and out of the Faust Z-sired dam.

Jonathan Smyth, who currently tops the leaderboard added to his tally, when he partnered Charlton Clio to third when clear in 26.16. Fourth was Emma Jackson and Drumnaconnell Beach Babe, clear in 26.40. Frank Curran and Oliver Twister were clear in 26.55 for fifth, with Shannon Mackenzie and Bens Lady Lux, clear in 26.59 for sixth.