Young riders dominated last Sunday’s penultimate round of the Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series at Balmoral, where Athlone’s Kate Derwin and the Francis Derwin-owned AHG Whiterock Cruise Down scored a superb victory.

Derwin was crowned European champion at under-18 level in 2019 and has shown she has been making her mark at senior level ever since. Her win in Balmoral came after a brilliant jump-off display which saw her cross the line clear in 39.84 seconds.

Second place went to another young rider as Mikey Pender and HHS Calais jumped clear in 41.32 seconds, while Army rider Capt Geoff Curran finished third with Glengarra Wood (42.39)

Jenny Rankin and Entertainer finished fourth, while Derwin also filled fifth with a double clear aboard Deep Pockets. Tim MacDonagh completed the top six with Hollypark Galloway.

The final round of the series takes place at Portmore in Co Antrim on 6 September, with Kilkenny’s Ger O’Neill still out in front as league leader with MHS High Hopes.