CORRANDULLA Show in County Galway played host to the fifth round of the Connaught League last Sunday, with good entries being recorded in each division. A familiar and friendly face in the region, a minute’s silence was held for Shane Dalton.

Fresh from his National Grand Prix win in Ballivor, Moroccan native, based with Sven Hadley, Zaid Ali Raad claimed victory in the Derryronane Stud 1.35m Grand Prix aboard John Chadwick’s BE Flygold, when they delivered a clear round in 38.63 seconds. Bred by GBBS International, this nine-year-old gelding is by Stakkato Gold and is out of Ballypatrick Flight.

Damien Griffin and the seven-year-old Ardragh DRC Drifter was fractions behind with nothing to add in 39.57 to take the runner-up spot. Owned by Willie Cusack and bred by Oliver Ward, this gelding is by Ardragh Me O Moy and is out of the Kannan-sired dam, CSF Pippa.

Paul Lynch had one on the ground with Alan Wheeler’s home-bred seven-year-old Cashless, but a fast time of 44.43 saw them take third place. This mare is by Ard VDL Douglas and is out of the VDL Arkansas-sired dam, Anabee Arkansas.

No stranger to the winner’s enclosure of late, Stephen Gibbons and Cassius Z took fourth when they were fastest of the four-faulters in the first round in 68.76. This 14-year-old gelding is by Canabis Z and is out of the Up To Date-sired dam, Ginger Sari.

The pairing won the last round in Glenamaddy and was second in the round at Duffy’s.

Joyce Veld and Corraghoe Bounce also faulted in the first round, but in a slower time of 73.70 for fifth. Owned by Miley Dunning, the 14-year-old gelding is by Lux Z and is out of the Cruising-sired dam, Corraghoe Tiger.

Shane Goggins and Boleybawn Cayman suffered a similar fate of four faults, and their time of 73.74 saw them take sixth. Owned by Jack Goaley and bred by Ronan Rothwell, the 14-year-old gelding is by Cassidee and is out of the Ard VDL Douglas-sired dam, Boleybawn Riverto.