The first round of the Connolly’s Red Mills Spring Tour at Jag Equestrian last Sunday marked the start of the national show jumping season and, as in previous rounds, there was a good turn out with a start-list of 54.

Taking the opening round in the JAG-sponsored class was Tyrone native Frank Curran. Fourth to go in the 14-way jump-off riding Oliver Twister, Curran lodged the winning round of clear in 34.73 seconds.

Owned by Heffron Equine and bred by Sydney Cranston from Monaghan, Oliver Twister (ISH) is by the Voltaire-sired Oliver and out of the Don Juan De La Bouverie-sired Skerrymores Don One. The chestnut gelding was originally bought by Harvey Smith at Cavan Horse Sales as a four-year-old and was campaigned for a short time by Francis Connors in 2016, before being taken over by Curran.

Last year on the European circuit, the duo racked up a series of good results which included wins in Oliva, Valencia CSI2* up to 1.40m.

Delighted with the win, Curran said: “The plan was to keep it as tight as possible and the course allowed this. The horse is very quick and is well used to jumping at this level so I was confident to push him a bit. Really the time was made up to the last three fences.”

Return to action

Curran who is well known on the circuit was out of the saddle following an accident which saw him break five bones in his back and has only recently returned to competitive riding. He plans to continue with the series and compete on the National Grand Prix circuit.

Just four horses after Curran’s round, second place was decided when Damien Griffin and Tabby crossed the line clear in 35.57. Bred and owned by Pamela Donaghy, Tabby is a 13-year-old Traditional Irish Sport horse by Captain Clover and out of the Cruising mare Majestic Cruise.

The gelding has been consistent for Griffin, clocking up a series of good results up to Premier Series level. The dam, Majestic Cruise has seven offspring registered, two of which were bred by Donaghy and more recently five bred by John McGuinness.

Of these offspring, four are Traditional Irish Sport horses. McGuinness’ choice of stallions to cross with the mare include: S Creevagh Ferro Ex Siebe, Supreme Ginger, Beach Ball CC Captain Cruise.

Leading young rider

Last to go, Stephen Murphy wasted no time with Chantelle and a clear in 36.46 was enough to secure third place. The result meant that Murphy also took the leading young rider prize of this round. Winner of the 1.20m Mervue Equine Leinster Tour, JAG has proved happy hunting ground for Murphy and Chantelle, a nine-year-old mare by Lux Z out of Texaco’s Delphine, bred by Gerry Traynor. Traynor has had much success with this mare, breeding eight from her.

The mare’s full sister Luxs Curios which is owned by Brian Murphy and was campaigned by Michael and Stephen Murphy with much success. Another full sister, Birchwood Holly has also been a big success for the Murphy family with a series of good results with his owner Patrick Murphy and Eoghan Murphy.

Taking fourth place in the line-up was Cork rider Olivia Roycroft and Westpalstown Lady when they crossed the line with nothing to add in 39.95. Owned by Roycroft, Westpalstown Lady is a 14-year old mare by Ard Ohio out of Westpalstown Molly.

JJoseph O’ Brien took the leading Pro-Am prize this week, which is sponsored for the first year by Forans.