A TOTAL of 22 combinations lined out to contest the seven-year-old division of the DAFM Studbook Series finals at Mullingar Equestrian, which had a prize pot of €4,530. Out of the original starters, just four proceeded to the second round, where all four delivered double clears.

Claiming victory was Max Foley aboard the Marion Hughes-owned and bred HHS Lexington with a double clear in 41.91 seconds. This chesnut gelding is by Luidam out of the Cavalier Royal-sired dam Chantilly Lace. This pair was then heading to Dublin Horse Show, having claimed the runner-up spot in the qualifier in Mullingar.

Camryn Clarke added to his haul when taking both the runner-up spot and third place. He delivered his best result with the Cavan Equestrian-owned Kleio De Muse, stopping the clock in 43.59. Bred by McFadden Equine, this black mare is by I’m Special De Muze and is out of the Verdi-sired dam Legalands Rossas Girl.

He then took third with the Jordan Coyle-owned Diamond Candy Hill when coming home in 44.05. This gelding, who was bred by Peter Keaveney, is by Sligo Candy Boy and is out of Hills Double Diamond.

Sean Monaghan and Champagne BW were last of the double clears in 46.21 for eventual fourth. Owned by Aloga Stables and home-bred by Ballywalter Stables, the gelding is by Chin Chin and out of the Caretino-sired dam Ungarin.

Damien Griffin was denied his place in the second round when coming home with a single time fault with Willie Cusack’s Ardragh DRC Drifter for fifth. Bred by Oliver Ward, this chesnut stallion is by Ardragh Me O Moy and is out of the Kannan mare CSF Pippa. This combination have been serious contenders in this league and also in the Derryronane Stud Connaught League.

Jack Brennan and MHS Ophelia were the fastest of the four-faulters in the first round for sixth place. Owned by Sinead Brennan and bred by Jean Finney, this mare is by Ganesh Hero Z out of MHS Style.