DUE to heavy rain causing havoc over the weekend at the Irish Breeders’ Classic, the €15,000 Plusvital Premier Final took place last Monday with 34 combinations battling it out. Taking the win in the final round was Jessica Burke, while Jason Foley and Cute Face were crowned the 2026 National Champions.

Foley and Cute Face secured the win after they accumulated 25 points in the league. Owned by Chedington Equestrian and Ellie Guy, Cute Face is a 12-year-old gelding by Christian 25 and out of the Argentius-sired dam Almeeda. This combination took third in the round in Cavan, a win in the round at Mullingar and third in the round at Tattersalls.

From the original starters, 10 booked their place in the jump-off, while 13 were denied their place against the clock due to incurring four faults.

Claiming her first win of the league was Jessica Burke with Fly For You. The rider was double-handed in the jump-off and, second into the arena, Burke immediately applied the pressure when she delivered a foot-perfect clear in 43.86 seconds. Her time proved unbeatable, securing a well-deserved first league victory.

This 11-year-old mare is by Quaprice Boimargot Quincy and is out of the L’arc de Triomphe-sired dam, Vedette Lande. This combination finished fifth in the Plusvital Premier Series in the round at Cavan and earlier in the month took sixth in the 1.40m international class in Millstreet CSI2*. She is a new mount for Burke, who took over the ride from English rider Skye Higgin in April.

Speaking afterwards, Burke said: “I am delighted with the win, as it is always a tough class to win. Both horses jumped really well and to have two in the line-up is brilliant. Although both horses have already jumped at this level, we have only been together for a short time. We are really starting to gel, and we have a great team going forward. Fly For You was second on Friday in the National Grand Prix and Billy Fern was also clear, but finished just outside the top 10.”

Regarding the course, she added: “It suited me to go first with Fly For You as she has a lot of speed and I knew that I could put the pressure on. We bought her for the team, because we knew she was quick and careful. In competition now, you really need the speed too. I walked the course and the jump-off course, and I knew that it would suit both horses. Billy Fern also put in a very good round, and I was very happy with the fourth-place finish. I really believe that we have a great team of horses now going forward.”

Connors runner-up

Newly-crowned 2026 National Grand Prix Champion, Francis Connors took the runner-up spot with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, when he kept all the poles in place in 47.32.

A clear from Tim Macdonagh aboard his own Hollypark Galloway in 48.51 saw him take third. This combination had recently claimed fifth in the National Grand Prix at Tattersalls. Hollypark Galloway is a 16-year-old gelding by Castlelawn Galloway and out of the Diamond Lad-sired dam Whitestown Diamond.

Double-handed in the jump-off, Burke returned to take fourth with Billy Fern when they were last of the double clears in 50.97. Bred by Donal Barnwell, the 10-year-old gelding is by Chacon Blue and out of the Vechta-sired dam, Billy Bloom. He is a new ride for Burke, having taken over from David Simpson in the summer this year. Under Simpson’s command, he has jumped up to 1.55m at CSI4* level and amongst their good results was fourth in Montefalco CSI4* 1.45m.

Placed sixth the day before in the National Grand Prix, young rider Coen Williams had one down with Dominante Z in a time of 45.43 for fifth.

All eyes were on local rider, Lauren Adams, as she took it on with Caddie Z, but four faults in 45.68 saw her take sixth.

Owned by Gary Adams, the 11-year-old mare is by Cicero Z Van Paemel and is out of the Diamant De Semilly-sired dam, Orane Du Noyer. This combination recently had a good show in Millstreet CSI2*, taking fourth in the 1.45m Grand Prix, second in the speed class and fourth in the 1.45m Grand Prix qualifier. They also took a second-place finish in the 1.35-1.40m Dublin Horse Show Young Rider class.