DARRAGH Ryan put his first points on the SJI National Grand Prix leaderboard last Sunday as he rode to victory in the fourth round of the series at Barnadown. Riding Deep Pockets, Ryan took home the winner’s share of the €4,000 on offer in the Ballywalter Farms Stallions-sponsored class.

Speaking after the win, Ryan said: “I have only just taken over the horse and it was my first show on him. Greg (Broderick) competed on him in Spain last year and he was placed at 1.40m level. Friday in Barnadown was our first outing and he jumped really well in the 1.30m, jumping double clear.

Regarding the Grand Prix, Ryan said: “He is clever horse with a big stride, so I made up the time by taking out strides throughout the course. I took one less stride from one to two, one less after the double and one less to the final fence. He is a horse with a great future and I plan to campaign him on the national circuit and focus on the New Heights Series. I would like to thank Jim Derwin for giving me the opportunity to ride him,” he added.

Ryan, who was this week accepted into the prestigious Young Riders Academy, is no stranger to success. Trained by Greg Broderick, at just 21 years old, he boasts an impressive record which includes winning the Irish Breeders Classic 2016, the four-year-old RDS championship and the RDS young rider championship in 2016. In 2017, he won the RDS five-year-old championship.

Bred by Charles Pidgeon and owned by Jim Derwin, Deep Pockets is an 11-year-old gelding by OBOS Quality out of Simply Chic. The dam has proved to be a successful mare for Pidgeon, with seven offspring registered. An eight-year-old, Empty Pockets, who is by Indoctoro, is currently being campaigned by Kelly Taggart up to 1.35m.

Course designer John Doyle designed a fair track which saw seven of the 51 starters proceed to the timed round.

First to go, Darryl Walker proved out of luck when he faulted at the second part of the double with Kiss N Fly. With experience on his side, Walker maintained the pace and crossed the line in 44.42 for eventual fifth.

Next in, Greg Broderick’s tight line to the double with All Gold Des Isles cost him dearly as the first part fell to the floor. His time of 43.87 would later see him slot into fourth.

The first double clear came courtesy of Captain Geoff Curran and Dollanstown. A quick pace in 43.63 saw them take the lead and later eventual third.

Next up, Liam O’Meara and Mr Coolcaum faulted at the penultimate oxer. Their time of 46.03 proved good enough for seventh place.

Winner of both the 1.10m and 1.20m Mervue Equine Leinster Tours, Jack Ryan knew what was required to clock up another win. Riding Cavalier Teaca, he answered all the questions in a time of 43.15, which saw him take the lead from Curran.

All eyes were on the penultimate combination, Darragh Ryan and Deep Pockets. Ryan meant business from the off, and a series of good turns saw him clock the winning time of 41.96. Last to go with Cornet Son, Nicholas Butler’s hopes of a win were dashed as he faulted at the second part of the double and clocked 45.12 for eventual sixth.