THE National Championships at Balmoral International got off to a competitive start last Wednesday with the Bluefrog five-year-old class.

Some 20 combinations had qualified for the championship and taking the final win was Megan McGettigan with Belmondo. The combination were the fastest of seven double clear rounds in the nine-horse jump-off, crossing the line in a time of 37.24 seconds. Owned by Regula Wassmer and bred by Enda Corry, the gelding is by KEC Maximum Joe out of the Voltaire-sired Kilmeague Clover.

Brendan Murphy was fractions of a second behind with the Michelle Hughes-owned Ballyheerin Rocket Girl in a time of 37.33. Bred by Paul Carr, this chesnut mare is by Ballyheerin Rocket out of Ballyheerin Delight (Afellay Z).

Also remaining within the 38-second barrier was John Mulligan aboard Patsys Favourite in a time of 37.47. Bred by his owner Thomas Murray, the gelding is by Sligo Candy Boy out of the Mohill Cavalier Clover-sired Rushlomelass.

Zoe Connolly delivered a clear with her own Brockagh Field Cailin in a time of 38.24 for eventual fourth. By Dakar VDL, the grey mare was bred by John J Cummins out of Brocka Cruising Lucy (Warrenstown We 3).

Fergus Reid opted for the safer route with Derek Reid’s Ballachino and crossed the line in 39.54 for fifth place. Bred by Clive Cathers, the chesnut mare is by Beach Ball and out of the Pacino mare Roadside Clover.

Completing the top six was Kerry Taggart and the foreign-bred Amaretto T, when they came home in a time of 40.57. The Apardi-sired mare is owned by Victoria Loane.