THE 1.35m North Speed Classic saw a field of 62 competitors on Thursday at the Irish Breeders’ Classic in Barnadown, with 17 riders lodging a clear round. Taking the win was Comdt Geoff Curran and Derrycush when he was fastest in a time of 62.38 seconds. Owned by the Minister for Defence, the 10-year-old Emerald Van’t Ruytershof gelding was bred by Alfie Hillen out of the Aldato-sired ISHD Caldato.

It was a good opening for the Army Equitation school as Lt Michaeli Byrne and HHS Clinstown took the runner-up spot when she came home in a time of 64.11. Young rider Matthew Farrell and LKD Mini Q took third place with a clear in 71.84.