Kilkenny’s Vincent Byrne came close to taking the top slot on the Horseware/TRM leaderboard last Sunday when claiming victory in the Dicks Supervalu-sponsored Grand Prix at Charleville Show. Riding the ever reliable Mr Rockefeller, Byrne clocked up his second win of the series having also won at Thomastown.

Byrne said: “It was a very competitive class and it there was no let up in the jump-off. Mr Rockefeller has been unlucky in the last few rounds with four faults and I was pleased that his luck turned today.”

Owned by James Weldon, Mr Rockefeller is a 12-year-old gelding by Ard VDL Douglas out of a King’s Servant mare Kings Aire.

Course designer Tony Hurley set a competitive track for the 22 starters, which yielded 11 into the jump-off.

Double handed in the jump-off, Byrne faulted twice with his first mount Caugherty which ruled them out of contention.

Great round

Francis Connors and Lates Du Carel put in a great round and with everything remaining in place in a time of 44.47, this combination took third place in the line-up.

Seamus Hayes delivered a clear round with Barichello in 47.26 for eventual fourth.

Winner at last Galway County, Ger O’Neill had an unlucky four faults with Sharon’s Fitzpatrick’s Isacorda, enough for eventual sixth. O’Neill’s performance however meant that he added an extra three points to his tally, enough to keep him top of the leaderboard.

Liam O’Meara had booked two slots in the jump-off. Going with his first mount Mr Coolcaum, he set the time to beat when they crossed the line with nothing to add in 41.87 seconds.

Returning with Mr Rockefeller, Vincent Byrne wasted no time and kept everything in place in a time of 41.88 to take the lead and demote O’Meara into second.

All eyes were on last to go O’Meara on Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight, a daring turn back to the last cost him dearly as the pole fell to the floor but a fast time of 40.12 secured him fifth place.