IT was another busy weekend for Mullingar Equestrian as it played host to the SJI Summer Series and Interprovincial Finals.

On Saturday, just 16 combinations lined out for the €1,000 Mullingar Equestrian Autumn Grand Prix with six double clears being delivered in the seven-way jump-off. Leading the victory lap was Nicola FitzGibbon with the eight-year-old Gracefield Apollo, when they crossed the line in time of 28.08. Owned by Langara Ventures and bred by Barry McCann, this gelding is by Luidam and is out of the Coriall-sired dam Rebecca.

Speaking after the win, FitzGibbon said; “I am thrilled with the win, and I feel that the horse has really come into himself. He is only 15.2hh and he is a very special horse. I owned him with my friend Zoe McElligott and we have him about three years. I am really excited about this horse and he reminds me of my horse Puissance. He has huge ability and a great attitude. He won the seven and eight-year-old qualifier in Barnadown and was second in the 1.40m Grand Prix in Tattersalls.”

FitzGibbon was chased home by Robert Splaine and Laranco, who crossed the line in a time of 28.26. Owned by Sandra Devine, the nine-year-old gelding is by Bustique and is out of Aranca.

Katie Nallon occupied third place with the eight-year-old Mvs Celtic Emperor when clear in 29.38. Owned by Seamus Heverin, this gelding is by Celtic Hero Z out of Vitae Lux.

Less than a half a second separated the next placing as Lauren Murphy partnered David Cullen’s eight-year-old Coco Du Rona to a clear in 29.75. Resident rider Alanna Fagan put in a foot-perfect round with the Cevin Z stallion Billy Hastings in 30.60 for fifth place. Last of the double clears was Darryl Walker riding Kate Fortune’s Scott 49 in 32.14 for sixth.