BARNADOWN has always proved to be happy hunting ground for National Young Rider Champion Jack Ryan and he struck again last Sunday, taking the win in the seven-year-old division of the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series.

BBS McGregor, who had previously won last year’s Breeders Classic in Barnadown, was one of only two double clears in the seven-year-old class.

Owned by Jack’s mother, Marguerite, the gelding is by Cardento out of a Mark Twain-sired mare, Random Chance. This combination hope to go to Lanaken as part of the Irish squad.

In total, 24 finalists went to post on Sunday. Riders faced a fair jump-off course, which included a double at three, followed by an oxer and then a tight line to a vertical. The last line took in a vertical followed by an oxer, which was heading to the pocket.

First to go, Marion Hughes and HHS A Touch Of Class proved out of luck when a strong pace saw the final fence on the floor and as a result, saw her finish in sixth place.

Next up, John Floody also proved out of luck when he faulted at the second vertical with Halltown Nala, but would later finish in fourth place.

Just three horses later, Ryan set the winning time with BBS McGregor, stopping the clock in 42.44. Louis Delplace opted for a similar route with Solsboro Masterpiece, but despite a great effort, had to settle for the runner-up spot on this occasion.

Winners of the opening round at The Meadows, Kate Derwin and MHS Fernhill Showtime proved out of luck when faulting at the first part of the double, but a fast time of 39.48 saw her add to her leaderboard tally, when she finished in eventual third.

Last to go, Mikey Pender and Javas Gucci faulted at the oxer after the double, but their time of 41.45 saw them slot into fifth place.

FIVE-AND SIX-YEAR-OLDS

In the five-year-old final, eight combinations jumped double clear to split the win. Those sharing the win were Barbara Allen (Jolie Demoiselle), Sean Kavanagh (Castle Lux Clover), Gemma Phelan (Beechfields Billy Barnwell), Jason Foley (Dawsons Orestus), Kate Derwin (Florida Springs), Catherine Thornton (Coachella) and Jason Higgins (Creevyquinn Pearl and Dawsons Gold).

In the six-year-olds, eight combinations maintained clean sheets to share the prize fund.

Clem McMahon had two in the winnings, Tjm Amour Fou and Legaland Team Spirit. Jason Foley added to his results when he delivered a clear with Dawsons Flex. This combination had also featured in the line-up in the opening round.

The other top finishers were Jessica Burke (Orestus Clover), Mikey Pender (HHS Vancouver), Edward Jnr Doyle (Flexi Rain), Darren Hopkins (Latte Macchiato), Francis Connors (CSF James Kann Cruz).