WITH the sun splitting the skies last Thursday, Bannow and Rathangan Agricultural Show came to an exciting close with Waterford’s Paul Beecher claiming victory in the Premier Performance National Grand Prix. Riding Glamstone, he was one of six double clears in a 10-way jump-off.

Sponsored by Pettitts Supervalu, the class boasted a prize fund of €4,000 and saw 20 combinations battle it out. Despite a relatively small number in the class, the ringside was packed with spectators at the popular Wexford venue. Owned by Paul’s wife Seryna Van Kuelen, the 14-year-old gelding was bred by W. Nijzing and is by Berlin out of the Sydney mare Zinedine.

Speaking after the win, Beecher said: “I am delighted with the win, we have come close to winning here before. Glamstone is very consistent at this level, but I knew it was going to be a fast jump-off, especially after seeing Gemma (Phelan) go. It is a great show and it’s wonderful to see so many people watching the show jumping. I would like to thank the organisers for all their hard work and the sponsors of the show for supporting all the classes here today.”

Early to go in the jump-off, Beecher meant business from the start as he got a tight line to the tulip oxer at three. He then negotiated a direct line to the double, a vertical to an oxer. With all going to plan, he took a tight line to the Pettitts wall and a good pace to the penultimate vertical and the final oxer saw him clock the winning time of 38.36 seconds.

Gemma Phelan also had her eye on the win and, although she took all the chances with Curraghraigue Jack Bro, a clear in 38.89 saw her take second place. Bred by his owner Baden Powell, this nine-year-old gelding is by Orestus out of Curraghgraigue Errigal (Errigal Flight).

Double-handed in the jump-off, Brendan Murphy delivered his best result with the seven-year-old Chevrolet Van Paemel Z, answering all the questions in a time of 39.38 for third. The Cicero Z gelding is owned by KM Sport Horses. He returned to claim fourth place with Erne Riverrun, with another fault-free round in 41.65 for eventual fourth place. Owned and bred by Hugh Fitzpatrick, the 12-year-old mare is by Antaeus out of Erne Clover Z.

Cathal Daniels proved out of luck when he had four faults at fence four aboard his own Ardragh Lucky Lass, but his time of 40.63 saw him slot into sixth. The eight-year-old mare by Sligo Candy Boy was bred by Oliver Ward out of Ardragh Duchess. This combination finished second in the Grand Prix in May.

Last to go aboard Gentleman-Time, Orla Queally wasted no time and, despite a slip on the approach to the double, she came home clear in 43.53 to secure fifth place.

Owned by her father John, the 14-year-old gelding is by Quality Time and is out of the Cento-sired dam, Desteny Van De Molendreef.