THE Horse Sport Ireland-sponsored Autumn Grand Prix league concluded just two weeks’ ago at Cavan Equestrian, where Eddie Moloney was crowned the 2021 champion with the 12-year-old gelding Temple Alice (Foxglen Cruise Control x Rantis Diamond).

He proved that slow and steady can win the race when they took the title without actually winning a round of the league, but placing in the top five on four occasions in Killossery Lodge, Barnadown, Tipperary and Ravensdale. This saw the duo collect 23 points and secure the league win.

Edward Doyle and Flexibility were runners-up, they too had four placings to finish on a score of 19.

Consistent

Moloney was delighted with the win, saying: “The horse has been consistent. He was unlucky not to win in both Killossery and Barnadown. I’ve had him since he was six-year-old, myself and TSI Equestrian own him.

“He has been a great horse, he is easy to ride, even [my daughter] Emily has starting riding him at 1.30m level.”

Each of the eight rounds featured a 1.40m Grand Prix worth €5,000, with €10,000 on offer at the final in Cavan.

Also included as part of the His Autumn Development Series were classes for young horses from four- to eight-year-olds, worth €4,000.

This move was very well received by riders and owners who, in addition to the monetary boost, were given the opportunity to give their young horses a chance to gain a little more experience in the ring which they may have missed out on due to the year’s disruptions.

Read all the 2021 reviews from the national show jumping scene here.