WATERFORD’S Francis Connors was crowned 2025 Showjumping Ireland Premier Performance National Grand Prix league champion at the Irish Breeders’ Classic in Barnadown at the end of August, having finished on a total score of 41 points.

Cathal Daniels came closest to catching him when he finished on a score of 24. Cavan’s Camryn Clarke and Jack Ryan shared third place with 20 points apiece, while Liam O’Meara took fifth on 19. Lt Raphael Lee, Francis Derwin (Jnr), Tom Wachman and Jonathan Smyth all shared sixth place on 18 points.

Speaking after the presentation, Connors said: “I’m delighted to win the Premier Performance National Grand Prix league with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, a mare who is owned by myself and my two daughters, Jenny and Kate. We bought her as a six-year-old, she is by Dondoctro Royal K out of an Ars Vivendi mare. This is probably our fourth season and she has progressed really well through the ranks and this was topped off nicely this year by winning the league.”

Breakdown

Stephen Gibbons took the win at the first round of the league in Duffy’s in April riding Cassius Z, while Francis Derwin and Lois were runners-up. At the second round in the Meadows, Jonathan Smyth and Mulvin Lights Out were the winners, while Catherine Thornton and Derryinver Truffle took second place.

Cathal Daniels recorded an impressive one-two, taking first place with Cappog Tomy and second aboard Ardragh Lucky Lass at the third round in Galway.

The fourth round in Barnadown was won by Robin Carey riding his own Luicruz, second went to Lt Michaeli Byrne and Dunboyne, while third was Lt Ruari Clarke riding Bonmahon Beach.

There was a bit of a disappointing round in Ballivor in June, which saw not one combination manage a double clear round over the 1.40m track. The win went to Gerard Clarke riding his own L as the fastest four-faulters in the second round. Second place went to Sean Foley with Dermott Lennon and Gerry Marron’s For Kinmar Hero Z with eight faults, while Brendan Murphy and Erne Riverrun slotted into third on 11 faults.

In CoilÓg the following week, Connors was just pipped at the post when Liam O’Meara took the win aboard Cevann. Connors was runner-up with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal. In the middle of June in Cavan, Jack Ryan and Monbeg Ruby took victory, while Niamh McEvoy finished second with Miro Ns.

Francis Connors collected his first win of the league aboard Carrigshawn Vendi Royal in Charleville. Robyn Moran and Fortside Clever Candy took second.

Bannow and Rathangan in July saw five double clears, the fastest of these coming from Paul Beecher and Glamstone in 38.36 for the win. Gemma Phelan and Curraghraigue Jack Bro were runners-up in 38.89. Jack Ryan and Vilja’s Cornet Ballet Queen took the top spot in Balmoral in mid-July, while Tom Wachman and I’m Here were runners-up.

Wachman went one better the following week in Tattersalls, where he won with I’m Here. Nicola Fitzgibbon and Gracefield Apollo were second.

August began in Mullingar where Camryn Clarke took the win aboard Conto De Reve, followed by the late Harriett Penfold and M.Bulisina in second. Francis Connors took the win in Hollypark with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, while Daisy McNamara rode Caspetito Z into the runner-up spot.

The penultimate round in Kernans saw Camryn Clarke and Conto De Reve take the win, followed by Shane O’Reilly and BWE Special Rose.

The final round at the Irish Breeders’ Classic in Barnadown went to Mikey Pender riding HHS Fortune, with Paul Beecher and Glamstone as runners-up.