HAPPILY for the Irish show jumping manager Robert Splaine, Denis Lynch had clinched fifth place in the Longines FEI World Cup finals in Gothenburg on Easter Monday well before the start of the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

The Corkman and his wife Eileen were at the Co Meath track to support their son David who partnered the 33/1 shot Ballyadam Approach to finish third in the featured Grade A handicap over three miles, five furlongs. Trained in Carrigtwohill by Terence O’Brien for William Horgan, the 11-year-old Bob Back gelding was bred by Nicky Connors out of an unraced mare by Good Thyne.