There were good entries for the €26,200 Supporters of Mullingar class 1.45m with 83 combinations lining out in the event sponsored by National Science Park, Greg Broderick, Castlefield Sporthorses and Neal Fearon Sporthorses.

After an exciting jump-off in the first FEI ranking class of the week, leading the victory lap was Kilkenny’s Susan Fitzpatrick and Keatingstown Skorphults Joker. Owned by Sharon Fitzpatrick and bred by Gestüt Lewitz, the 10-year-old gelding is by Messenger out of the Eurocommerce Berlin-sired Paspertina.

This combination has a host of good results of late, and Fitzpatrick was third in the International Grand Prix in Balmoral last month with Miss Paris. Speaking afterwards, Fitzpatrick said: “It was a really good class, it was strong enough and the time was tight. There were 11 in the jump-off and Mikey Pender and Kevin Gallagher were double-handed so I knew it would be tough.

“I know the horse a long time, he is an incredible horse, he has a huge heart, unbelievable quality and I have a great partnership with him, so I am looking forward to doing some bigger shows with him. He is only about 16hh so he is quite small but he has a massive heart.”

The winner added: “I watched Mikey just before I got on and then saw Richard [Howley] go and knew he was very fast. I had my plan and it came off. I love this show, I come here every year, Robert [Fagan] and the team do an amazing job, it sets the standard here in Ireland.”

Out of the original starters 11 proceeded to the jump-off and, from those, four delivered double clears. Last to go against the clock, Fitzpatrick won the top prize of €8,646 in a time of 36.22 seconds.

She just edged out British-based Sligo rider Richard Howley with HK Horses’ Zodiak du Buisson Z who came home in 36.55. Mikey Pender kept all the poles in place with his own and Quality Stud’s Nando Quality in 40.25 for third. Abigail Boland played it safe with Quentin K and they delivered the last of the double clears in 43.06 for fourth.

Winners of a two-star international class at Balmoral recently, Kevin Gallagher and Max O’Reilly Hyland’s BP Limitless (Elvis Ter Putte x Laughton’s Flight) were looking to put another win on the board but they were out of luck when they had one on the ground in a time of 37.04 to finish fifth. Double-handed, Pender also put in a very fast time with the Al Shira’Aa Stables-owned Chacco Bay, clocking 37.65, but it came at a price as he picked up four faults for sixth place.