LOCAL rider Jonathan Smyth proved a popular winner in the Gain Equine Nutrition/Alltech Grand Prix at Omagh. Riding Crystal Graf, he claimed victory when he was the only double clear in a time of 40.01 seconds. This is the second victory for the Tyrone rider in recent weeks having led the victory lap in Ard Chuain with Mulvin Lights Out. With low numbers entered, it was decided the top 25% could come back to contest the second round at Omagh.

Owned by Ann Doherty and bred by her late husband Anthony from Donegal, the 11-year-old gelding is by Lady Graf out of the Graf Magna-sired Lady Graf. Under Smyth’s command, Crystal Graf has proved very consistent this season in particular in the Ulster Regional Grand Prix. Last month they took second place at Mid Antrim Show and at Banbridge Charity show. In May they also took the win in the round at Kernans.

Lady Graf has produced other successful progeny, such as Crystal Tom (by Silvano) which Smyth campaigned up to Grand Prix level before changing hands to young rider Eve Donnelly. Another half-brother, Cassan has jumped up to CSI4* under Robert Smyth. Lincourt Gino, who is by Gino III, has competed with Alejandro Karolyi up to CSI3* level in America.

Smyth also took third place with Sernade B in the speed class, delivering a clear in 73.41 and fifth with Mulvin Cliodam, when he had one down in 77.06.

Donegal rider Kenneth Graham and Beir Bua took the runner-up spot after he incurred four faults in the first round and returned to clock up another four faults in the second round (36.79). Owned by Graham, the 12-year-old mare was bred by the late Harold McGahern and is by Lancetol out of Rincoola Bua. Graham has produced this mare from a four-year-old.

Athlone’s Francis Derwin extended his lead on top of the leaderboard as he took third place with Killerish Can Ya, fastest of the four-faulters in the first round (62.91). The young rider went into this round on 33 points and the third place finish at Omagh added a further seven points to his tally.

Placed sixth in the leg at Kernans, Nicole Kershaw and Lotus Van’t Nachtegalehof also added points to her leaderboard score when she took fourth place with four faults (64.88). Owned by Lisa Rosbotham, the Belgian warmblood gelding is by Kashmir Van Scuttershof out of Amalia Nactegalehof. Kershaw earlier took the win in the 1.25m speed event, clear in 65.47, beating Kenneth Graham and Tullabeg Jackson to the win after they clocked 68.95.

Emily Turkington had one down in the first round with Jay Gatsby (65.73) for fifth place. Jay Gatsby, owned and bred by Cormac McKay from Tyrone is a 12-year-old gelding by Gatsby out of the Loughries Quiet Man-sired Tullydraw Lady. Turkington also claimed fourth place in the 1.35m Ulster Grand Prix with Tricolour and fifth with Jay Gatsby.

Luke Campbell collected more valuable leaderboard points when he took sixth with Derryinver Truffle, posting four faults in 68.19. points. Owned by David Campbell the 10-year-old gelding is by Tornesch out of the Cruising-sired Icing. Campbell was also in the ribbons in the 1.35m Ulster Grand Prix, claiming third place with the Samantha Kirk-owned FSS Indigo.

Gibson takes victory

Winner of the Accumulator was Stephen Gibson and SGS Welcome Louie when recording the maximum score of 65 in 58.18. Gibson also took the runner-up spot with SGS Pride of the Hill in 59.45. Kenneth Graham took third when he racked up 65 points in 59.47 with Tullabeg Jackson.

Ellen Thompson and Alejandro Two (64.50) were fourth, ahead of Jonathan Smyth and Serenade B, who scored 64 in 70.62. Completing the top six line-up was Emily Corbett and Blond Ivy who clocked up 63 points (73.54).