REIGNING National Champion Kevin Gallagher got his defence of the title off to a strong start when winning the opening round of the Coolmore/Showjumping Ireland Premier Series at Portmore last Sunday.

Riding BP Hybernia, Gallagher was one of just two double clears from a field of 38 starters over the Rafael Suarez designed 1.50m course, to claim the lion’s share of the £15,000 on offer.