WATERFORD’S Gemma Phelan put her first win on the National Grand Prix leaderboard at Garranemore in Limerick last Sunday. Riding the Beechfield Stables-owned Vicarstown, she lodged the winning round of clear in 39.86 and took home just over €1,000 for her efforts.

Bred by Michael O’Neill, Vicarstown is a nine-year-old stallion by Luidam and out of the Darco-sired dam, Flower E. Phelan has been campaigning the stallion from a six-year-old and has produced him from the metre ranks up to Grand Prix level.

“I am delighted at how the horse jumped,” Phelan said. “He is a horse with a lot of power and scope but he hasn’t done a lot of jumping at this level. The plan is to get him out a bit more and jump at the 1.40-1.50m level. He has all the credentials and talent, now he just needs mileage. I have a few offspring by him and I am looking forward to seeing how they will turn out.”

This third round was co-sponsored by Emma O’Dwyer - R. Bourns Sporthorses - Aloga - J. Burke - Castlefield - J. Sweetnam Capalla Stables - Glain Stables Swyn Y More and Friends of Garranemore and saw 28 go to post.

From the original starters, eight booked their place against the clock and just three double clears were delivered.

Taking the runner-up spot was Nicholas Connors and Mister-Go, when they kept all the poles in place in a time of 43.28. Owned by Anne Connors, this nine-year-old gelding is by Cornet Obolensky and is out of the Carhino Z-sired dam Chapeau Cinea Go. This combination ended their 2025 season on a good note, finishing sixth in the 1.40m Two Phase in Cavan Winter Horse Festival.

Olive Clarke and Norway Grace were fractions of a second behind, coming home in 43.34 for third place. Owned and bred by Yvonne Meaney, this 10-year-old mare is by Aganix Du Seigneur and is out of the Lux Z-sired dam Norway Flash, who was competed by DJ O’Sullivan up to 1.20m level.

Darryl Walker proved that the time could be beaten when he clocked 39.27 with Kate Fortune’s Special Effect-sired gelding, Scott 49, but it came at a price, as he had one on the ground for eventual fourth. Aoife McCabe also put in a very fast round with Heritage Enigma, clocking 39.87, but she too came home carrying four faults for fifth place. This combination is proving very consistent in the Derryronane Stud 1.35m Grand Prix, finishing third in Duffy’s and fifth in Galway.

Last of the four-faulters in a time of 40.41 was Emma O’Dwyer and Cornetto Denfer for sixth place. This 10-year-old gelding is by Cornet Obolensky and is out of the Litsam-sired dam, Tawella Denfer.