THE first round of the National Grand Prix took place at the Meadows Equestrian Centre last Sunday, with 20 combinations battling it out.

Taking the first win was Sean Kavanagh when he partnered Brendan and Pauline Finlay’s Castlebridge Logan to a clear in 39.68. Bred by Kavanagh himself, the 10-year-old gelding is by Tolan and is out of the Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve-sired dam, Bella Donna Van De Zuuthoeve.

Last year, the gelding was campaigned by Zara Finlay up to 1.35m. This was his first Grand Prix under the command of Kavanagh.

The only other double clear was delivered by young rider, Cara McFadden and Genitus Pommez Z in a time of 41.36 for second. Owned by Karen McFadden, the gelding is by Good Boy and out of the Crusing-sired dam, Teulada. This combination has a solid record at this level and in the young rider classes. Amongst their good results last year, was fifth in the Masters at Eglinton and a win in the 1.40m Young Rider National Championships.

Shane O’Reilly and Lancer Luck certainly proved that the time could be beaten, but a pole down in 36.22 saw them take third place. Owned by Brian McConville, the 12-year-old gelding, bred by Thomas Whelan, is by Castleforbes Lord Lancer and out of Dalystown Lass.

Rachel Chapman also put in a very fast time with her own OS Pouilly Fusse, but two poles on the ground meant she had to settle for fourth place. This 12-year-old mare was bred by Oakingham Farm and Stud and is by Peppermill out of Pepita.

Former National Grand Prix Champion, Jonathan Smyth, claimed the next two placings. He produced his best performance with Mulvin Lights Out, delivering the fastest clear of the first round in 73.15 for fifth. The 14-year-old gelding was bought by Smyth’s father in Goresbridge and he is now co owned by the Smyths and Roy Craig. He is by Kroongraaf and out of the Diamond Serpent-sired dam, Diamond Vicky. This combination has previously won the National Grand Prix title and will certainly be ones to watch in this league.

Smyth then took sixth place with Mr Kannan Ball, when they were fastest of the four-faulters in the first round in 74.29. This 10-year-old gelding is also owned by Noletta Smyth and Roy Craig, and is by Kannan out of the Beach Ball-sired dam, Amber Beach.

Hibernia Sport Horses Six and Seven-Year-Old Young Horse

Challenge Final

Taking the win in the six- and seven-year-olds was amateur rider John Jordan aboard his own six-year-old gelding, SJ True Grit, when fastest of 12 double clears in 35.15. Emma Jackson and the seven-year-old Rockrimmon Legacy took second when they clocked 36.16, ahead of Patricia Stewart Greet and the seven-year-old Van Dijk. Slotting into fourth was Conor McEneany and his seven-year-old K- Dalrock, clear in 36.69, while in fifth was Shane Treanor and his own six-year-old, SJ Cornet Og. Rounding off the top six was Lucy Morton and the six-year-old, Ogue Toy Boy in a time of 39.62. It was a good outing for Lucy Morton, as she also claimed victory in the five-year-old division with the Hibernia Horses-owned Ayla Van Den Ast Z.