ON Saturday, 55 combinations lined up to battle it out in the Greenvale Transport-sponsored 1.40m National Grand Prix, held during Cavan Equestrian Centre’s June Five-Day Summer Horse Show. Taking this win was Munster’s Kian Dore and Monterey Bay, when they recorded one of five double clears in a 13-way jump-off, in 40.03 seconds.
Monterey Bay is owned by Jillian Lennon and is a 10-year-old gelding, bred by Felicitas Erfurt, is by Monte Bellini and out of the Calypso 27-sired dam, Carisma 27.
Although this combination is newly formed, they have gelled well, taking the win in the 1.35/1.40m Dublin Horse Show qualifier in the second round at Barnadown.
Speaking after the win, Dore said: “I was absolutely thrilled with the horse. This is our second show, and he just stepped up to the mark. The first show was the Dublin Horse Show qualifiers and he won there too.”
Regarding the round, he added: “I saw Max Foley go and he was fast, so I knew I just had to go for it. I made up the time in taking a stride out from the double to the proceeding fence. The horse is very brave and quick, so I just had to trust that he could do it.
“The plan is to compete in Maryville in the Premier Series. He had two down in the 1.50m in Cavan, but I am hopeful for his next round. I would like to thank Jill Lennon for allowing me to ride the horse.”
Runner-up
Lt Raphael Lee and Derrycush took the runner-up spot, when they left all the poles in place in a time of 41.15. The pairing are no strangers to this level, winning the 1.35m Championship in Balmoral last month.
The 12-year-old gelding, bred by Alfie Hillen, is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof and is out of the Aldato-sired dam, ISHD Caldato. He was previously campaigned by Comdt Geoff Curran with much success at this level.
Junior rider Senan Reape and Creevagh Special took third place, when they delivered a clear in 41.57. Bred by the late Ronnie Hollinger, the 16-year-old mare is by Camiro de Haar Z and is out of the Harlequin Du Carel-sired mare, Creevagh Harlequin Lady.
This team booked their place to the Dublin Horse Show in the 1.35/1.40m Young Rider category in Barnadown.
Followed closely
Max Foley followed closely behind with the Freestone Farm-owned Sumas Knockout, coming home with nothing to add in 42.09. Bred by Suma Stud, the nine-year-old gelding is by Tyson and out of the VDL Arkansas-sired dam, Sumas Fanny Price.
Taking fifth place was Jonathan Smyth and Mr Kannan Ball, when they left everything in place in 42.23. Owned by Noletta Smyth and Roy Craig, the 10-year-old gelding is by Kannan and is out of the Beach Ball-sired dam, Amber Beach.
Young rider, Cian McMunn and Lisboy Emerald had one on the ground, but a fast time of 44.56 was good enough for sixth place. Owned by Breda McMunn and bred by Michael McDonagh, the 12-year-old gelding is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof and is out of the Lux Z-sired dam, Hollypark Lux Alright.