HOLLYPARK Stables in Limerick proved a happy hunting ground for Liam O’Meara last Sunday. He dominated the penultimate round of the National Grand Prix, taking three of the top five places. The Tipperary rider delivered three double clears, with his fastest coming from Cevann in 36.57 seconds to claim victory.

Cevann is owned by O’Meara; he is a 12-year-old gelding by Cevin Z out of the Kannan-sired mare Bellini. This combination also shared victory in the round at Ballivor.

Last year, the combination took third place in this Grand Prix.

Speaking afterwards, O’Meara said: “I am delighted with how the horses went and to have three in the line-up is a super result. All three horses have been very consistent throughout the summer and, thankfully, they were all on form today.”

O’Meara also shared the runner-up spot with young rider Jill Greene, when both came home with nothing to add in 38.28. O’Meara was riding his wife Helen’s Oaks Espionage, while Greene was riding Pat Greene’s Hazel.

Oaks Espionage is a new mount for O’Meara. The 11-year-old gelding is by Emerald Van’T Ruytershof and is out of the Clearway-sired Oaks Milky Way. The gelding was previously campaigned by Italian rider Marco Carli up to CSI2* level. O’Meara completed the hat-trick, when he delivered a third clear round with the former stallion, Big Dan Du Rouet, in a time of 41.47.

Greene’s mount, Hazel, is a 14-year-old mare by Glasgow Vh Merelsnest and out of the Berlin mare Bloody Mary. This is the combination’s first Grand Prix placing this year.

Accounting for eventual fourth was Francis Connors aboard Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, with a clear in 39.37. This cemented Connor’s lead on the leaderboard with this horse - they have clocked up 42 points, while his closest rival Liam O’Meara and Cevann have accumulated 25 points. 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. The mare was purchased by her current owners as a six-year-old and she has progressed through the ranks with wins at Grand Prix level.

This pairing finished second in the last round in Mullingar and claimed the round in Charleville, they were second in Maryville, fourth in Bannow and Rathangan and second in Wexford.

Last of the double clears in 42.93 and filling sixth place was Maura Counihan Jnr and Ardnore Killerisk Grace. Bred by Kevin Jacob, the eight-year-old mare is by Ard VDL Douglas and is out of the Chello III VDL-sired dam, Farrah.