LAST Saturday, Mullingar Equestrian set the stage for what were exciting DAFM Studbook Series Finals.

In the five-year-old final, 24 combinations went to post and 12 booked their place in the second round, where nine delivered double clears. Young riders took three of the top six placings in the line-up.

The win went to Leinster young rider Eoin Brennan aboard the Michael Brennan-owned and bred Rule the World with a clear round in 36.71. This gelding is by Aganix Du Segneur out of the Diamant De Semilly-sired dam, French Ballerina.

He was chased home by Gemma Phelan and Vibe Of Picobello Z who clocked 37.53. This mare, who was previously owned by Mark Duffy, was bred by Picobello Horses and owned by Gerard Burke. He is by Vagabond de la Pomme out of the Ogano Sitte mare Eltria Sitte. This combination finished second in the five-year-old RDS qualifiers at the round in the Meadows and has been consistently placed in this series.

Another placing

Phelan also took fifth place with another of Gerard Burke’s mares. This time riding ABC Mayflower, she was less than a second behind her own time, clocking 38.16. Bred by Patrick Kehoe, the mare is by Tanglo van de Zuuthoeve out of the Cruising-sired dam Ardenehue Diamond Cruiser.

Taking third place was another young rider Timmy Brennan and GCS Ruby, crossing the line in 37.90. Owned by Tim Brennan, this chesnut mare was bred by Olivia Brennan and Miguel Bravo and is by Emerald van’t Ruytershof out of the Vigo D’Arsouilles mare GCS Athina.

Munster young rider, Coen Williams and his own GLC Mr President took fourth, stopping the clock in 37.97. This gelding was bred by Gareth Cassidy and is by Conthargos and out of the Untouchable 27-sired dam Mullentine Good Friday.

Completing the top six line-up was Rhys Williams with another one from their own stable, Parc Dakota, in a time of 38.16. This gelding was bred by Frank Cunningham and is by Catoki and is out of the Mermus R-sired dam, Galwaybay Winebreaker M. This pairing is also heading to Dublin, after claiming the runner-up spot in the round at Mullingar in June.