FOLLOWING on from the Spring Tour, the action moved outdoors and so began the 21-round Gain/Alltech 1.40m National Grand Prix League.

It really was a case of slow and steady wins the race for eventual league winner Jonathan Smyth. He and Mulvin Lights Out took the overall title having only won one round of the series in Ard Chuain, but when this was added to their six other placings throughout the summer, the title was theirs.

They earned six points at the first round in The Meadows, and then landed a runner-up finish four weeks later in Cavan. Three points in Kernan’s was swiftly followed by the 10 in Ard Chuain. They collected seven in Balmoral, another runner-up spot saw them take eight in Tattersalls and they finished by taking four at the final round in Duffy’s to accumulate a total of 46 and the National Grand Prix title for 2022.

Francis Derwin came closest to catching Smyth. He and Killerisk Can Ya won two rounds; the first in Galway, the second in Cavan. They also finished second in Cork and third in Omagh. These points, plus five from the second round in Portmore, meant they finished on a total of 40 points.

Luke Campbell and Derryinver Truffle were third on 37 points. They scored a win in Kernans, placed in Castle Irvine and Ballivor, were third in Ard Chuain and went on to add a further four points in Omagh and six in Tattersalls.

Year end

Edward Doyle Jnr and his home-bred stallion Quick Bill (Flex A Bill x Quick Star) were well out in front in the Showjumping Ireland Autumn Series heading into the final round in Cavan as the 2022 season came to a close.

They were slow to start, only earning their first points in leg five of the 11-round series, but once they were off there was no stopping them.

They won the fifth round in Tipperary, were runners-up at the next round in Portmore, earned four points in Killossery and six in JAG. They then added another four in Wexford to finish on a total score of 34 and claim the title of Autumn Series Champion 2022.

Emma McEntee finished as runner-up with 22 points, earned from a win in Killossery and a second place in Wexford.

Ger O’Neill and Mr Castlefield shared third place with Emma McEntee and ABC Ballycruise on 18 points apiece.