IN the Young Rider Duffy Horses-sponsored Farewell Stakes, James Connor Smyth took the honours, riding his own Pepper Pot, delivering the only double clear in 45.88 seconds.

Niamh O’Sullivan and Cupids Arrow beat the time when they clocked 44.07, but four faults meant a second-place finish for this pairing. In third place were Jason Duggan and Heatherside Royale, in a time of 47.91.

In the 148cms 1.20 Equestrian-sponsored Farewell Stakes, victory belonged to Sarah Keane and RTS Tommy Dunn who were one of two double clears, finishing in 68.23. The other clear came courtesy of Ruairí Aylward and Coppenagh Tom Sparrow who clocked 70.45. Claiming third place, though incurring a single time fault, were Daniel Carroll and Mallmore Bobby, in 78.76.

NOVELTY FUN

This year saw the return of some much loved novelty classes. On Friday night, the Holland Homes Durrow 128cms and 138cms Ride and Cycle proved popular. In the 128cms section, victory belonged to Katie Nallon and Claughaun Casper who delivered a foot-perfect round in 35.66 whereas in the 138cms Ride and Cycle, it was Matthew Sheehan and Cuffesgrange Came Changer who took the win when they put in a faultless performance in a time of 42.12.

In the Jack Dodd-sponsored 148cms Speed with Joker, Lucy Shanahan and Hills of Pearl went clear in 39.71 to lead the victory lap.