Riders were back in action in a round of both the Horseware/TRM National and Premier Series Grands Prix last weekend at Cork Summer Show.

Making his long trip from Meath worthwhile, Gerard Clarke lodged his first National Grand Prix win of the season riding his own Kellswater Crimson. Clarke crossed the line with nothing to add in 39.92 seconds to take the spoils in the €5,000 Munster Agricultural Society-sponsored class.

Kellswater Crimson is a 16-year-old gelding by Cruising out of Cool Rain Clover. This gelding has proved a loyal servant for Clarke, bringing him from the young rider ranks right up to Premier Series level. The combination started this season well with a win in the Spring Tour in Killossery and at Broadmeadows and took second in the Grand Prix in Thomastown.

Galway’s Damien Griffin is proving very consistent in this national series and he didn’t disappoint when he lodged a clear with Tabby in 40.39 for the runner-up spot.

No stranger to pressure, Liam O’Meara didn’t hang about with Mr Coolcaum with a clear in 42.52 proving good enough for third. Young rider Susan Fitzpatrick was hot on O’Meara’s heals with Cavalino, but despite a gallant attempt, a clear in 42.62 was only good enough for fourth.

Reigning National Grand Prix champion Darryl Walker also kept everything in place, albeit in a slower time of 42.96 for fifth on Cushions. Kildare’s Edward Doyle, riding Paul Larkin’s 11-year-old Lux-sired stallion Derryinver Luxury Cruise, also delivered a foot-perfect round, but in a slower time of 43.81 for sixth.

RDS places

As expected with this being the last round to decide the top three riders in the Premier Series to win their place to the international classes in Dublin, those in contention were out in force.

With the weather conditions playing havoc on Sunday, just 19 combinations contested the Horseware/TRM Premier Series and from those, just six delivered clears and proceeded to take on Paul Duffy’s jump-off course.

Taking the honours when delivering the only double-clear of the class was Francis Connors riding Erne Ladygoldilocks. In claiming the win, Connors not only took home the lion’s share of the €10,000 but had done enough to guarantee his Dublin place.

Owned by Hugh Fitzpatrick, Erne Ladygoldilocks is a nine-year-old mare by VDL Douglas by Erne Touch. This is the second Premier Series result for this combination having also taking third place in the Premier at Louth County Show and fifth at Omagh.

First to go with Dollanstown, Lt David Power proved out of luck with 12 faults in 57.46 for eventual sixth.

Next in, Connors knew what was required and he took a calculated approach aboard Erne Ladygoldilocks. A series of tight turns throughout the course, matched with a tight line back to the last saw him cross the line with nothing to add in 50.20 for the win.

Riding Paul Larkin’s Derryinver Luxury Cruise, Edward Doyle’s hopes of a win were dashed when he crossed the line carrying four faults. A fast time of 46.84, however, proved good enough for second place.

Edward Butler, riding James Egan’s Cornet Son, suffered the same fate as Doyle, but a slower time of 47.70 meant he had to contend with third.

Current National Grand Prix champion Darryl Walker proved out of luck when he crossed the line with 12 faults in 49.47 with Riverside Ace, which saw him slot into fifth place.

Last to go, all eyes were on Capt Geoff Curran and Shannondale Rahona, but four faults at the first part of the double in a time of 51.72 saw him take fourth place.

Joining Connors in the international classes in Dublin is Co Meath’s Alexander Butler and Capt Geoff Curran of the Army Equitation School, having finished in the top three on the leader board.