Local rider Robert Harrison got his show off to a good start when taking the honours with First Rouge.

Ninth to go of the 27 starters, Harrison set the bar high when he lodged a clear in 49.51. Not content with the win, Harrison also took fourth place with Holly CastleForbes (51.39). Galway’s Sven Hadley put the pressure when he clocked 56.41 with Cassana, but his lead was short-lived as just two combinations later, Harrison demoted him to the runner-up spot.