IT was a one/two for Ballypatrick Stables in the Francis Derwin Bloodstock-sponsored 1.40m Grand Prix qualifier on Saturday afternoon when Max O’Reilly Hyland and Kevin Gallagher headed the pack in the one-round speed class. O’Reilly Hyland, who trains with Greg Broderick in Tipperary, took first place riding his own French-bred gelding Babar de Bussy when they were the fastest of the 29 clear rounds from 76 starters, crossing the finish line in 60.07.

Gallagher was aboard Ennisnag Stud’s home-bred 10-year-old gelding ESI Star Struck (Lamm de Fetan x Tampa), and they stopped the clock at 60.81 for second place. Jonathan Smyth was third with Noletta Smyth and Roy Craig’s Mulvin Lights Out (Kroongraaf x Diamond Serpent) in 61.10, while fourth was Jason Foley and John Kearney’s eight-year-old Pacino gelding Cura Paco in 61.87.

Fifth was Francis Derwin Jnr with Jim Derin’s Deep Pockets (0/ 62.82), while sixth went to Niamh McEvoy and Robin Bingham’s Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick (0/ 63.14).

Speaking about O’Reilly Hyland, who is a former junior European gold medal winner, Greg Broderick said: “It is fantastic to see Max do so well. He doesn’t ride full-time because he works in his family’s business, so it’s great to see all his hard work rewarded. I’m delighted for his family who are all involved and provide great support for him. He has a very fast horse and he rode very well, so it’s great to see him win a big class.

“It was definitely competitive. It’s not very often you see Kevin (Gallagher) coming second. His horse, ESI Starstruck, who we own together with Ennisnag stud, is very consistent. He was four-year-old champion in Dublin and was second in the five-year-old finals there. He has moved up successfully every time he is asked and he has a bright future ahead.”