JUST 27 combinations contested the €5,000 1.40m Championship at Mullingar and, with the pressure on, only one double clear was delivered. Answering all the questions was Ulster’s Cara McFadden with Genitus Pommex Z in a time of 38.10. Owned by Karen McFadden, the nine-year-old gelding is by Good Boy and out of the Cruising-sired dam Teulada.

James Derwin came closest to catching her, clocking 38.97 with Quinci Quality, but with a pole on the ground, he had to settle for second. Resident rider, Alanna Fagan also had one on the ground with Billy Hastings, but in a slower time of 42.44 for third place. James Brennan proved out of luck when he had two on the ground with MHS Undercover, in a time of 51.27 for eventual fourth. Derwin returned to take another share of the prize fund, finishing fifth with Killerisk Can Ya (12 faults in 46.18). Jack Murphy added to his placings, claiming sixth with MHS Oklahoma, when fastest of the four-faulters in a time of 70.77.

Classic

Following a strong performance over the course of the Championship, Mia Murphy secured her win in the 90cm challenge, riding Enniskerry Pierro clear in 24.69 seconds. The only other double clear came from Charlotte O’Broin and JBF Riverfiled Luxardo, in a time of 26.34. Ben Cassidy and Vega Vdh took third with one down in the second round in 26.76.

Claiming victory in the €500 1.10m Classic was Eloise Trainor and Marah, who kept all the poles intact in 23.38. Second place belonged to Caoimhe Murray and Flahulach, clear in 27.73, ahead of Naomi Carr and Ladybird 1, clear in 29.52.