PAUL Beecher from Tallow, Co Waterford, scored his fourth win in this year’s Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix league, with victory in the ninth round of the series at West Clare Show.

Beecher came out on top with Loughnatousa Eric in a class sponsored by Kilrush Credit Union, after a six horse jump-off which saw just two double clear rounds.

The pair crossed the line clear in 43.78 seconds to push Liam O’Meara and Kennysflight (44.39) into runner-up spot.

Beecher also finished third with Danqu, who posted the fastest time of 39.34 with one fence down. Tralee’s Maura Counihan filled the next two places, finishing fourth with Coral Du Carel and fifth aboard Dicksgrove Silver. Liam O’Meara completed the top six with Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight.

The result means that Paul Beecher now holds the top two places on the league table, lying first with Loughnatousa Eric on 42 points and second with Danqu on 39, one point ahead of Francis Connors and Capitol Cruis. Maura Counihan is in fourth place with Coral Du Carel, while Peter Moloney and Arbutus Ohio are in fifth.

Waterford’s Connors won the eighth round of the league at Aglish Gymkhana in Co Waterford, where the reigning league champion guided Capitol Cruis to a blistering clear round in the jump-off. They stopped the clock in 34.10 seconds to win the class sponsored by Quigley Horseboxes & Q Sport Horses.

It was the second win of the week for Connors and the Ian Smyth-owned Capitol Cruis, having also taken victory in the Mervue Equine LST at Tattersalls in Co Meath.

Colligan’s Peter Moloney was close behind in second with Arbutus Ohio, a 13-year-old gelding owned by Teresa Conway, who crossed the line clear in 35.74.

Tipperary’s Seamus Hayes slotted into third place with Brian McClintock’s Barichello W, while league leader Paul Beecher collected vital points when finishing fourth with Danqu.

Francis Connors also took fifth place with Argento Cruise, while Peter Moloney grabbed another slice of the prize money when finishing sixth with Five Star Quality.

The 10th round of the league will take place at Cork Summer Show tomorrow, Sunday, July 10th.