THE Irish Breeders’ Classic has always proved lucky for Greg Broderick and 2020 was no different as he took the honours in the Darragh Kenny/Oakland Stables-sponsored seven/eight-year-old final on Monday.

Riding the GBBS Int LTD-owned Coolivio PS, he was the fastest of just three double clears in 38.23 seconds. Bred by Paul Schockemöhle in Gestüt Lewitz, the eight-year-old gelding is by Conthargos out of the Baloubet du Rouet-sired Stutbuch.

He was previous campaigned by German rider Niclas Baule, before changing hands to Alexander Butler before Broderick bought the horse from Carlow Pinto. At the back end of last year, Broderick competed him in Vilamoura in the CSIYH1*. The combination finished third in the National Grand Prix at Tipperary Equestrian Centre last month.

Full of praise for the horse, Broderick said: “This horse is definitely one of the best horses that I have ridden. We always knew he had scope, but he has proved how much talent he has this weekend. He is one for the future.”

Qualifiers

Following competitive qualifiers, the seven and eight-year-old finalists got their chance to battle it out for the title and for the €10,000 on offer in the class.

As expected, Alan Wade set a fitting course for the 24 finalists which would culminate in a nail-biting jump-off.

From the original starters, nine jumped clear to book their place against the clock.

Clem McMahon was less than a second behind Broderick with the seven-year-old TJM Amour Fou, clocking 38.86 for second place. Bred by TJM Equestrian and now jointly owned by them and Hilton Farm, the gelding is by Diamant De Semilly out of Catani Z (Cicero Z Van).

Seamus Hayes opted for the safer route with his own eight-year-old Clarton Clazou Z and it paid off as he crossed the line with nothing to add in 45.08 for third place.

Bred by A. Paridaans, he is an eight-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Clarissimo 2 out of the Clinton-sired Dazou G.

Deane Rogan came close to the winning time with the seven-year-old De L’ Oiseliere when clocking 38.96, but it came at a price as he had one on the ground, which would see him slot into fourth place on this occasion.

Owned by Declan McGarry, this French-bred is by Kapitol D’Argonne.

Susan Fitzpatrick didn’t hang about with Keatingstown Skorphults Joker but she came home with one on the ground in 39.79 for fifth place.

Another one from Gestut Lewitz, the seven-year-old gelding is by Conthargos and out Chaccy Anne (Chacco-Blue).

Prior to Fitzpatrick taking command this year, he was campaigned by Harold Megahey and later by Ian Fives.

There was another good result for Ballypatrick Stables as Ethen Ahearne joined Broderick in the line-up when he crossed the line with four faults aboard Boleybawn Cooley in 40.39.

This seven-year-old stallion was bred by Ronan Rothwell and is by Dignified out of Arina (KWPN).

A full-sister, Boleybawn Aasha, is currently jumping in Norway with Mira Oliva Hoidal up to CSI2* level.