DESPITE two storms hitting the country last week, the Millstreet Autumn Horse Show went ahead, with all of the action moved to the recently reclaimed indoor arena - which inevitably led to schedule changes, but turned out to be a great show-saving success.

It was a landmark occasion for Millstreet, with the first indoor Grand Prix since spring 2016 and the first fully indoor horse show at this time of year since the early 2000s.

On Sunday, the four-day show came to a close with the €5,000 Millstreet 1.35m Autumn Grand Prix. There was a strong start-list, with 54 going to post and, from those, 20 booked their place in the second round. The win stayed in Munster as young rider Daisy McNamara and Caspetito Z claimed this victory.

The pair were in form earlier in the week, as they took second place in the Grand Prix qualifier on Friday. At the start of the month, they also took the runner-up place in the Autumn Grand Prix Series in Garranemore.

Owned by Martha McNamara, the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding is by Cassio Vh Sonnishof.

First to go against the clock was Ballypatrick Stables’ rider Harry Wood, who was aboard Lisa Cawley’s eight-year-old mare Luisa and they set the bar high when delivering a clear in 38.19, which would later prove good enough for the runner-up spot. Bred by Lisa’s late father Noel, this mare is by Luidam out of the Flexibill-sired Lexi Lady.

The class was snatched from Woods, when McNamara and Caspetito Z galloped home with nothing to add in 37.98 seconds, which saw them take the top prize of €1,485.

Going late in the class, Jenny Connors wasted no time with Carrigshawn Vendi Royale and a clear in 38.28 proved good enough for third. Owned by Francis, Jenny and Kate Connors and bred by John Warner, the 11-year-old is by Dondoctro Ryal K out of the Ars Vendi mare Carrigshawn Vendi. Carrigshawn Vendi Royale has had much success under the command of her father, Francis Connors, up to Premier Level. Jenny took up the ride in September and this good form has continued.

It was a good day for Emma O’Dwyer, as she accounted for the next two placings. She delivered her best result with her own seven-year-old mare Ardragh Celtic Breeze, with a clear in 39.01 for eventual fourth. The Celtic Hero Bz mare was bred by Oliver Ward out of the Conquistador dam Ardragh GI Jane. Dwyer returned with her own nine-year-old mare Rubetski and delivered another clear, albeit in a slightly slower 39.17 for fifth.

Francis Connors completed the top six with Martello Chapella, keeping all the poles standing in a time of 40.92. Owned by Martello Sporthorses, the eight-year-old gelding, who was bred by John Kerr, is by Celtic Hero B Z out of Isola Bella (Indoctro).