ON Thursday, a large field of 84 combinations lined out to contest the Lisadell Equine Hospital 1.35m Table A speed class, which carried a prize fund of €2,000. From the original starting field, 26 of those delivered clear rounds. Following on from what was a great summer season, young rider Stephen Gibbons claimed victory when he was fastest of those in 58.68 aboard Cassius Z.

Owned by Stephen’s mother Jane, Cassius Z is a 15-year-old stallion by Canabis Z and out of Ginger Sari. This partnership have put in a super performance this year, claiming two wins and a third-place finish in Mullingar CSI2*, which saw him being crowned international young rider of the show. He also put in a great performance in the Derryronane Stud 1.35m Connaught league, clocking up numerous wins.

Fellow Connaught young rider, Cian McMunn took the runner-up spot with Lisboy Emerald, when they stopped the clock in 60.36. Not content with second, McMunn also took fifth with Bellevue Celestial, coming home in 62.58.

Another Connaught rider, Sven Hadley took third with his own eight-year-old Maximum Numero Too HSH, stopping the clock fractions behind in 60.87. Bred by Eamon McArdle, the gelding is by Aganix Du Seigneur and out of Couple Of Diamonds.

Longford rider Robert Harrison and Ces Wicked Contender slotted into fourth place, when they came home in 61.89. This 15-year-old gelding is by Contendro II and out of the Cavalier-sired dam Clever.

Rounding off the top six was John McEntee and Freddy Bear, in a time of 62.89. Owned and bred by Catriona Fallon, this nine-year-old is by Celtic Hero B Z and out of Deeply Dippy K.