TAKING the win in the Fraser Homes Ulster Grand Prix at the National Balmoral Championships on Thursday was Shane O’Reilly when he posted a clear in 35.59 seconds with Lancer Luck.

O’Reilly was chased home by Harry Marshall and Morning Attraction, clear in 35.76, while in third was young rider Harrison Blair and L’Esprit Hero Z, clear in 36.14. Jack Ryan accounted for eventual fourth with Cornascriebe Emerald, clear in 36.47, while in fifth was Sean Foley and Fanta M (36.69). Completing the top six line-up was Shane Goggins and Clooncalagy Bobby (37.18).

Championships

On Friday, winner of the Wyse Byse 1.10m Championship was April McCrea and Bob when they kept all the poles in place in 32.59. Following closely behind was Suzanne Posnett and Maxim Van Overis Z, clear in 32.89, ahead of Emma Jackson and Kylestone Cashel, clear in 33.24.

On Saturday, leading the victory lap in the 1.20m Abbey Upholsterers Championships was Amateur rider Ava Stubbs (AA) and Tullyhill Lucy Diamond, clear in 30.85. Max Foley and Illusion De Hus took the runner-up spot with a clear in 33.65, ahead of Jack Ryan and Linali Davincis Destiny (33.84).

Amateur rider Grace McGarry (A) was crowned Callaghan Transport 1m Champion when she partnered Imanthos to a clear in 28.68. Not content with the win, she took the reserve title with David Heaney’s Quality Quick Star, clear in 28.94. Fellow Amateur rider Jennifer Griffin (A) took third with Glide ON Lancer (31.30).

The 1.35m Championship title went to young rider Camryn Clarke when he partnered his mother Victoria’s 12-year-old Hermes De Reve sired gelding Conto De Reve to a clear in 65.07.

Susan Fitzpatrick and Soblensky Vh Scheefkasteel Z took the runner-up place with a clear in 66.13, ahead of Sean Foley and Fanta M (66.56).

A clear from Molly Hughes Bravo and HHS Mercedes in 67.47 saw them take fourth, while in fifth was Lucy Morton and Cassclo Beach (67.57). Completing the top six line-up was Niamh McEvoy and the seven-year-old Cold Play S Z (68.12).