FRIDAY’S feature event at the 2017 Irish Breeders Classic show, the Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix, sponsored by George Mullins International Transport and Harry and Leslie Fitzpatrick, was won by Liam O’Meara riding Mr Coolcaum.

The win was O’Meara’s seventh in the National Grand Prix league this year, and that, combined with two runner-up spots, has left him way out in the lead on a score of 89 points heading into the final round in Maryville this weekend.

O’Meara has shown great consistency in the 1.40m division this year. In the 19 round National Grand Prix League which began last April in Louth County, he has won in Thomastown in April, Barnadown, Cavan and Galway in May, was runner-up in Ballinasloe at the end of May and then was also runner-up in Coilóg at the start of June.

He then was back to winning form, taking victories in Charleville in June, Cork Summer Show in July, before adding another 10 points last week in Barnadown.

league winner

The league comes to a close this weekend in Maryville, but with O’Meara’s closest rival, Francis Connors, several points behind, he can’t be caught and can declare himself winner of the league.

A total of 53 declared for the penultimate round of the league and 14 made it through to the timed decider.

O’Meara was last to go of the 14 and having had plenty of time to assess the best and fastest route over Tom Holden’s track, steered Mr Coolcaum to a foot perfect round in a time of 38.24 to secure the win.

Runner-up Nicholas Butler with Vimminka stopped the clock 1.84 slower in 40.08, while third place went to John Floody riding Ballyknock Diamond in a time of 40.14.

Edward Doyle (Derryinver Luxury Cruise) and Sophie Dalm (Remake Lande) slotted into fourth and fifth places. Patrick Hickey was the highest placed young rider as he finished in seventh place aboard Quandurina.