THE opening round of the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour (LST) at Louth County Show, saw Co Fermanagh’s James Hogg take the winner’s prize when fastest of 14 double clear rounds.

Louth County is the traditional opening weekend of the outdoor show jumping season and the Mervue Equine LST proved one of the most popular competitions at the two-day fixture attracting almost 50 starters.

Hogg partnered the Edgar Hogg owned 11-year-old Cruising gelding Interpreter to victory, finishing almost three seconds faster than his nearest challenger.

Francis Connors made the trip from Co Waterford worthwhile when taking runner-up spot with Ian Smyth’s mare Capitol Cruis. Brothers Jordan and Daniel Coyle battled it out for third and fourth place, with Jordan riding Amigo VH Winkenshof, just pipping his sibling who partnered Sansibar. Derry’s Hannah Patterson filled the next two places on the podium, finishing fifth with Daberlina and sixth aboard Douglas W.