THE Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour reached the halfway point last Sunday as Mullingar Equestrian played host to the fifth round. Some 56 combinations contested the 1.20m division and 59 in the 1.35m division. It was a win for Connaught as Galway rider Damien Patrick Griffin claimed not only the win but also the runners-up spot.

Riding Lissyegan Lui Royale, Griffin proved fastest of the eight double clears in 39.99 seconds. Bred by Margaret Griffin, Lissyegan Lui Royale is a nine-year-old mare by Luidam out of the Cavalier Royale-sired mare Lissyegan Clover Royale. Griffin took the runner-up spot when he partnered Pamela Donaghy’s Tabby to a clear in 41.02 seconds.