THE Cavan September Indoor championships came to a close with the €5,000 1.40m Connolly’s Red Mills Grand Prix. Placed second in the Cavan Grand Prix the day before, Alex Finney went one better as she took the win on board MHS Style with a clear in 32.32 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, Alex said: “I am delighted with the win, as it’s never easy to take a Grand Prix win in Cavan. The mare jumped brilliantly in both Grands Prix. I was second last to go in the jump-off and I had a chance to see Michaeli go. I made up the time in the turn backs rather than galloping. She is very nimble and I can trust her to make the turns. I have been riding her for the last six years, so I know what she is capable of. I would like to thank Spiller’s Horse Feed for their help, my mum Jean and Dermott Lennon. A special thanks to Jamie Davis, who does such a good job looking after her at home.”

Owned by Alex’s mother Jean, the 12-year-old mare was bred by the late Ita Brennan and is by Kannan out of the Guidam-sired dam, MHS Lady Guidam. This combination has been on form of late, claiming the 1.40m at the Young Riders’ Championship in Barnadown.

For the 49 starters, the course proved challenging, with nine booking their place against the clock and, from those, three delivered double clears.

Little separated the next placing, as Lt Michaeli Byrne and DHF Alliance came home with nothing to add in 32.41. Owned by Jessica Stallard and The Minster For Defence, the 11-year-old - which was bred by Paul Douglas - is by Ard VDL Douglas out of the Lux Z-sired dam, Rosie Bee. DHF Alliance is no stranger to success in Cavan, having won the Gain Alltech Grand Prix last year under the command of Comdt. Geoff Curran.

Clem McMahon and Mr Basil were last of the double clears in 33.97 for third. This 10-year-old gelding is owned by Alistar McIvor and was bred by Markus Buser. He is by Plot Blue and out of the Hermes De Reve-sired dam, Michelle.

Stephen Gibbons posted a very fast time with his mother Jane’s eight-year-old Ceide Candy Heart, but a pole on the ground in 33.27 proved only good enough for eventual fourth. This gelding was bred by Mary Walsh and is by Garryduff Jar Of Hearts and out of Ceide Heather Honey.

Fellow Connaught rider Katie Nallon also put in a gallant attempt aboard Bob Sweeney’s Carnlea Flamenco, but four faults in 33.65 saw them secure fifth. Another eight-year-old, this gelding was bred by Edward Little and is by Je T’Aime Flamenco and out of Kildowney Star.

Camryn Clarke returned to the line-up, this time taking sixth with Jordan Coyle’s seven-year-old, Billy Mombasa, carrying four faults in 34.20. Bred by Donal Barnwell, the gelding is by Billy Mexico and out of Idee Van Het Brvggeveld.