THE National classes at Millstreet, catering for horses, ponies and amateur riders, proved hugely popular and attracted strong support throughout the week, culminating in exciting finals which saw classes go down to the wire.

On Saturday, the €3,500 DAFM-sponsored 1.20m mares’ final saw 30 qualified combinations battling it out. Taking the win was Seamus Hughes Kennedy aboard the Clare Hughes-owned and bred Giovan De La Pomme-sired eight-year-old mare Cava, with a clear in 34.25. Sven Hadley took the runner-up spot with the 10-year-old Dominator 2000 Z-sired D’Extase DH Z, clear in 34.27. Nicola Fitzgibbon partnered Olwyn Alexander’s Ganesh Hero Z-sired seven-year-old MHS Zenyatta to a clear in 35.09 for third.

Accounting for fourth was Alan O’Regan aboard the Tyson-sired seven-year-old Hollypark Beauty Queen, clear in 35.62. Fifth place was filled by Sean Dooley and the FSS Corelli Bravo-sired seven-year-old, Killavilla Cruise, clear in 35.67. Mark Neilan and the nine-year-old Sligo Candy Boy-sired Miss Cavalier Candy completed the top six line-up, with a clear in 36.83.

Mini Grand Prix

It was a great outing for the Reape family, as Paddy took the win in the 1.30m Mini Grand Prix. Riding LCC Monte Karlo, he was the fastest of 11 clears in 34.25. Mark Neilan was fractions behind with Miss Cavalier Candy in 34.36 for second, while in third was Sasha McDonnell and PLS Somers Knight, in 35.81. Fourth place was filled by Billy Filan and Miss Aganix in 35.84, while in fifth was Isobel Hourigan and Wrenwood Jesse James, in 36.32. Emily Moloney completed the top six with Star Van De Heffinick, in 37.02.

Amateur Grand Prix

It was a worthwhile trip for Kevin O’Reilly (AA), as he led the victory lap in the €1,000 Amateur Grand Prix. Riding Cranny West, he was the fastest of 12 double clears in a starting field of 28. Jessie O’Flynn Hall took the runner-up spot with MMS Loreal, stopping the clock in 27.71. Little separated the next spot, as Edel Kelly (A) and Agustina clocked 27.98 for third, ahead of Erin Kelleher (A) and Comeback Kid, in 29.15. Katie Condon (A) accounted for fifth with her own Annaghmore Vivending, coming home in 29.42, ahead of sixth-placed Edel Kelly and Brogagh Darcy, in 29.44.