NATIONAL Grand Prix Champion Liam O’Meara kick-started his autumn season as he left off, claiming the opening round of the SJI Autumn Grand Prix at JAG Equestrian Centre last Sunday aboard Oldtown KC.

Since joining O’Meara’s yard in May, this 15-year-old stallion (by Cruising out of Oldtown Katie) has landed a series of wins and results up to 1.50m national Grand Prix level.

O’Meara said: “It has been a great few weeks and it was good to start the season off this way. There were a few very fast combinations in the jump-off and I knew I had to go for it. The horse is very careful, and he has been in good form, so I knew I could take a few calculated risks. My goal will be Cavan International in November. It’s a busy time at home at the moment as we have quite a few young horses to work with.”

In total, 27 combinations lined out to take on the 1.35m Seamus Casey-designed track and from those, 14 delivered double clears. First to go against the clock, Jamie Garland delivered a clear with the big-striding Zedlepplin (41.70) which proved good enough for sixth. Derek McConnell opted for a series of good turns aboard Dothraki Warlord. A good pace to the double along with a stride out to the last, saw him clock 39.86 to take the lead and later, eventual third. Owned by Sorcha Hennessy, this gelding, bred by Patrick J. Kearns, is by Mermus R out of the Diamant De Semilly-sired dam Tiamo Diamant.

Stephen Murphy took the inside line to the Butterfly fence with Chantelle, but despite this and a series of other tight lines, settling for eventual fifth when clocking 41.52.

Gerard Clarke wasted no time with Hon Fleur. Despite a gallant bid, a clear in 40.07 saw him take fourth. Owned by Tirnaskea Stud, this seven-year-old, also bred by Laois-based Kearns, is by Pacino out of the Voltaire (Hann)-sired dam Maktoub (ISH).

With experience on his side, O’Meara’s decision to take a stride out to the last paid off as Oldtown KC set the winning time of 38.47.

Capt. Geoff Curran chased the target on Dowth Hall and a clear in 39.56 was good enough for second place. Owned by Professor Alice Stanton and The Minister for Defence and bred by Dr. Noel Cawley, this nine-year-old mare is by Flexible out of the Clover Hill-sired mare Ballinakill Clover. She is a full-sister to Hybernia, also bred by Dr Cawley, and jumped to CSI4* level under Greg Broderick.

Win for Carberry

Earlier, Paul Carberry took the win in the 1.25m with Cranny West in 23.94. Daniel Fitzgerald and Caricell Supercharge were second (24.97). Winner of the earlier 1.15m, Suzanne Posnett returned to take third with Maxim Van Overis Z, clear in 26.35. A clear from Orla Cassidy and Bridgemans Olympic Star in 27.44 saw them secure fourth. Fifth place belonged to Isabel Fitzpatrick and SHW Candies Diamond (28.02). Derek McConnell and Izzy clocked 28.71 for eventual sixth.