IN 2010, Connolly’s Red Mills and Munster show jumping came together to create the Grand Prix Series. Sixteen years later and that partnership is as strong as it was then, allowing riders to feed their desire to win over the course of 10 legs located all over Munster to find their champions.

Six-time champion Francis Connors threw down the gauntlet by winning the first leg of the series at the Ballylawn Show with Martello Sporthorses’ Martello Chapella and never looked back to dominate the 2026 edition and claim a record-extending seventh title. Not content with the leading rider prize, Connors also won the final at Tipperary Equestrian last Saturday, with the consistent Martello Chapella producing a super double clear in 47.71, confirming the title of leading eight-year-old horse in the series also, which was sponsored by Garranemore Equestrian.

Speaking after the win, Connors told The Irish Field: “I’m delighted with the win, it has been a great year for Martello Chapella, he has been very consistent. Big thanks to Red Mills for sponsoring a great league, which is very beneficial for the development of seven/eight-year-old horses to prepare them for the national Grand Prix and beyond.”

Richard Hourigan and the ever-reliable Killaloan Cobra Corel took second place when clear in 52.09. Young rider Daisy McNamara and her mother Martha’s Caspetito Z showed their talents and potential with the fastest time of the three-person jump-off, but an unfortunate four faults in 38.98 placed her in third to complete the podium.

Robyn Moran, pictured at Charleville on Brian O’Malley's Clever Quay with Marie Wheeler, Evelyn Collins and Ian Doyle, won the Sweet Oak 1.25m at Tipperary \ William Casey

Sweet Oak 1.25m

More longtime supporters of Munster show jumping are Shane and Ali Sweetnam of Sweet Oak Farm, who sponsor the 1.25m series. The 2026 edition did not disappoint and on hand representing Sweet Oak Farm for the presentation were Ciara and Diarmuid. Collecting the winner’s prize on the day was Robyn Moran, winning the final on Brian O’Malley’s seven-year-old Clever Quay. The pair have been ultra-consistent and very successful, winning four legs over the course of the season to also take the overall leading rider prize. 2025 champion Patrick Joyce took second place in the final and also overall with Ciara O’Regan’s eight-year-old gelding Quidam Ollie.

Speaking after her win, Robyn Moran told The Irish Field: “I was delighted with Clever Quay, he has been fantastic all season, picking up a number of wins. I want to thank Sweet Oak Farm for sponsoring a great series, I enjoy competing in it, as it helps me produce my young horses and I am already looking forward to next year’s edition.”

Beecher and Whitaker 1.15m

The 1.15m class took on a new sponsor for 2026, with the Beecher and Whitaker families jointly sponsoring the series and the final was a thrilling class. Gemma Phelan on Hilda Anthony’s gelding My Private Dancer took the win when double clear in 42.69. Second place went to leading amateur rider Jody Townend on her own Jt Calover Junior, clear in 43.19, a result which confirmed Jody as overall series winner. Completing the podium in the final was former series champion Patrick Joyce from Killeagh riding his father John’s Deise Carpe Diem, a six-year-old gelding by Grandorado.

Munster Show jumping Three Branches 1.05m

The three branches of Munster show jumping sponsored a new class on the schedule for 2026, the 1.05m class and it kicked off finals day with a bang. Cork Kerry amateur Alex Butler proved unbeatable on the day with her own Ringfort Rubys Cruise taking the win, ahead of Waterford Tipperary riders Mary O’Meara with One Step Closer in second and Ruth Walsh on GRC Porsche in third. Jody Townsend reaped what she sowed over the summer by taking the overall series winner title on her own Jt Harveys Adventure.