RENOWNED for developing top-quality young horses, it was no surprise that HHS emerged victorious in the Millstreet Ruby five-year-old final. This time it was Molly Hughes Bravo who took her place on the winner’s podium when she partnered HHS Evora to a clear in 40.46.

Bred by her mother Marion Hughes, the mare is by Stakkato x Darco. It was over four seconds back to Kate Lynch and CCL Candy Balou who came home with nothing to add in 44.79. Slotting into third place was Emma O’Dwyer and Kaboum Du Barquet clear in 45.43. Conor McMahon put in a very fast time with Highflyer but four faults in 39.93 saw him take fourth. Jack Ryan and Galwaybay Jim also had one on the ground, but in a slower time of 40.80 for fifth, Completing the top six was Lauren Adams and Playboy ASJ with four faults in 41.08.

National Discovery Horse Final

Later in the day, the National Discovery Horse Final took centre stage in the main arena. This was won by David Moran riding Marion Hughes’ HHS Estoril when they were awarded 88 marks out of 100.

Bred by Georgian and Rodney Gault, this gelding is by Lougherne Cappuchino x Echonix. The gelding picked up extra marks for jumping form, canter and attitude. Shane Quinn and Ruben BL followed closely behind on a score of 86.5. This Dutch-bred is owned and bred by Ita McDermott and is by Grandorado x Quasimido Z.

Abigail Boland and her own Elma Bo was just 0.5 marks behind, to take third. Bred by Jack Ryan the Irish Sport Horse mare, is by SHS Socoblue x Hernandez TN. Accounting for fourth place was Derek McMahon with his own Zangersheide stallion Chacasall VDH Z on 85.5 marks. Bred by Van de Haar Barry, he is by Chacco Blue x Cormint.

Fifth place was shared by Paddy Reape (Creevquinn Amber) and Robyn Moran (Lyvette De Kergane) when both were awarded 85 marks. Owned by Paddy’s father Jonathan, Creevquinn Amber is a mare by Diamant de Semilly x Tinkas Boy. Owned by Vera Griffin, Lyvette De Kergane is a French bred by Candy De Nantuel x Andiamo Semill

1.30m National Grand Prix Final

It was a rewarding journey from Wicklow for Brendan Murphy as he won the 1.30m National Grand Prix Final on Sunday. Riding Shirsheen Calensky he was fastest of the nine double clears in the 11-way jump-off in 34.75. Owned by Linda Murphy and bred by Patrick Murphy, the nine-year-old gelding is by Cornet Oblensky x Rebel Sting.

Eabha Cassidy and Gembro was Murphy’s closest rival when they came home in 37.56. Shane Moloney and JKS Vienna kept all the poles up in 38.01 for third, as did Shane Goggins and Elite Della Caccia but in a slower time of 38.53 for eventual fourth.

Francis Connors added to his record when he partnered Untouchable Cavalier to a clear in 38.66. Rounding off the top six was Maura Counihan and Ardnore Killerisk Grace, clear in 39.80.