THE Army Equitation School put another win on the board in the National Grand Prix League last Thursday, as Lt Raphael Lee took the win at Bannow and Rathangan Show. Riding the Minister For Defence’s Derrycush, Lee was the fastest of six double clears in 37.60 seconds.

A popular show on the calendar, the sun was shining for the large crowds that lined the arena.

Bred by Alfie Hillen and formerly owned by Clare Hughes, this 12-year-old gelding is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof and is out of the Aldato-sired mare, Ishd Caldato. This combination has clocked up some very good results of late, which include two wins in Mullingar CSI2*, one in the 1.35m and one in the 1.40m class. At the Cavan five-day show in June, they took the runner-up place in the 1.40m National Grand Prix.

Fine attendance

In total, 21 combinations went to post in the Pettitt’s Supervalu-sponsored class in a bid to take the winner’s share of the €4,000 on offer.

Liam O’Meara also put points on the board, as he took second place with Big Dan Du Rouet, when he clocked 39.80. Bred by Michael Ryan, the 11-year-old gelding is by Querlybet Hero and is out of the Harlequin Du Carel-sired dam, Glenaguile Rose. This combination finished sixth in the round at Charleville and third in the Connolly’s Red Mills 1.40m class at Millstreet.

Third place belonged to Brendan Murphy and Nooren T Dansa’S, when he was less than a second behind in 40.68. Owned by Lucy Shanahan, the eight-year-old gelding is by Jonah T and out of Jasmijn. She has been produced by her owner with much success up to 1.35m last year and before this with Murphy.

League leader

A winner on many occasions at the Co Wexford show, Francis Connors filled the next two placings. Riding Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, he lodged a clear in 40.82 for fourth place. This is on the back of a series of good results for this team, having claimed the runner-up place in Maryville and a win in Charleville Grand Prix, the runner-up spot in Wexford Grand Prix and sixth in the Plusvital Grand Prix at Cavan. Carrigshawn Vendi Royal is owned by Francis, Jenny and Kate Connors, the 11-year-old mare was bred by John Warner and is by Dondoctro Ryal K and is out of Carrigshawn Vendi. This series of good results leaves them at the top of the National Grand Prix Leaderboard on 30 points, followed by Lt Raphael Lee and Derrycush on 18 points.

Connors also delivered another clear with the Brian Daly-owned Newmarket Darsouilles in 43.47 for fifth place. Placed fourth in the round at Charleville, this eight-year-old is also clocking up points for Connors on the leaderboard. Bred by Billy Daly, the gelding is by Vigo D’Arsouilles and is out of the Cavalier Royale-sired dam, Newmarket Clare.

Jemma Kirk was last of the double clears aboard her own ESI Rio, coming home in 44.98 for sixth place. Bred by Ennisag Stud, the eight-year-old mare is by Vigo D’Arsouilles and is out of the Simba-sired dam, ESI Sofia. This combination has been consistent at 1.35m level, and this has been their second Grand Prix.