THE penultimate round of the Gain/ Alltech National Grand Prix saw a win for Tyrone rider Niamh McEvoy at Barnadown last Saturday. Riding BP Hybernia and first to go in the jump-off, the European team gold medallist lodged the winning round when double clear in a time of 33.26 seconds.

Speaking afterwards, McEvoy said: “I am delighted to have taken the win. He is a fabulous horse and he is very quick and careful. Going first is never easy, so I had to really go for it as I knew there were strong combinations to come. I would like to thank all the sponsors that made this show a big success and to Ballypatick for allowing me to ride such a great horse.

“I hope to take in the final round but for now I am off to Sweden for the Young Rider Academy and will return in four days”.

Owned by GBBS Int LTD, the 13-year-old gelding was bred by the late Dr Noel Cawley. He is by Flexible out of Ballinakill Clover (ID) (by Clover Hill (ID). Niamh took over the ride in June this year at Mullingar CSI2* and took third place in a 1.35m. She then went on to compete in the three-star at Bolesworth.

This is the third win for this combination in the National Grand Prix series having claimed victory at the rounds of Flavours Of Fingal and Hollypark. This was a decisive win for them as it places them top of the leaderboard on 30 points going into the final at Mullingar.

She will be chased home by the defending champions Jonathan Smyth and Mulvin Lights on 27 points, and Smyth and Crystal Graf on 25 points. Both Dermott Lennon (Anthem in My Heart) and Sven Hadley (Phenomene Bleu VDM) are also still in the running on 24 points.

Against the clock

Sponsored by Friends of IBC, the penultimate round of the series saw 51 combinations battle it out in the €4,000 class. From the original starters, a total of 11 booked their place against the clock.

Taking the runner-up spot was Comdt. Geoff Curran and Derrycush when they came home clear on 34.09. Owned by the Minister for Defence, the nine-year-old gelding was bred by Alfie Hillen and is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of the Aldato sired ISHD Caldato. This is the second victory of the series for the pairing having won the round in Mullingar last month. Prior to this the pairing put in a successful stint in Europe.

Jonathan Smyth and Premier Spirit left all the poles standing in a time of 35.23 for third place. Owned by Dominic Rice, the 10-year-old gelding is by Premier Sport out of the Hermes De Reve sired dam Premier Hope. This pair was also in the ribbons of late, winning the Puissance in Mullingar International when clearing 1.95m.

Junior rider Eoin Brennan and Limestone Briarhill Lui, crossed the line clear in a time of 37.10 which saw them take fourth place in the line-up. Bred by Anne Coyne and owned by Tim Brennan, the mare is by Kings Cornet out of the Luidam-sired mare Briarhill Cruise.

Talented youngster

Fellow Kilkenny junior rider, Emily Moloney and Temple Alice also answered all the questions, albeit in a slower time of 40.81 for fifth place. Owned by Moloney and TSI Equestrian, Temple Alice is an 11-year-old gelding by Foxglen Cruise Control out of the Rantis Diamond sired dam Innishannon Shamrock. This combination finished fifth in the Young Riders 1.35-1.40m Dublin Horse Show this year.

This talented young rider is still competing in the 148cm divisions with such ponies as Lady Crown and Pretty Little Dandelion.

Completing the top six line-up was Anna Carway and Ajaccio after they came home with nothing to add in a time of 43.53. This 18-year-old gelding is by Caretino and out of Risque. This pairing returned to competition on home soil this May having been in action in Europe, competing in the CSI3* in Oliva.