Derek McConnell from Rathangan in Co Kildare won the latest round of the Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix at Balmoral Park in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, last weekend.

A former Army rider, McConnell is now based at his own Longfield Farm, and was riding Dothraki Warlord, an eight-year-old gelding by the KWPN-bred Mermus R, out of the Selle Francais-sired mare Tiamo Diamant. The pair recorded the fastest of four double clear rounds in a time of 40.48 seconds to win first prize in the €4,000 event, sponsored by the Sloan family.

Dothraki Warlord is owned by Sorcha Hennessy and was bred by Patrick J. Kearns. McConnell has produced the horse for Tom and Sorcha Hennessy from a three-year-old.

The combination finished second in the five-year-old championship at the Dublin Horse Show and went on to compete in the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken. Since then they have gone on to win studbook finals and have been placed at Grand Prix level.

Table toppers

This year they have proved consistent in this league and are on the top end of the overall leader board on 24 points, having previously won points at JAG Equestrian, Cavan, HHS Stud and Killossery.

A total of 61 horses took part in last weekend’s class. Jonathan Smyth, who is top of the leader board with Crystal Tom, secured second place in this round with Charlton Clio, when he delivered a clear in 42.33 seconds. Philip Gaw and Ardnacashel Coovella also went clear, but in a slower time of 43.95secs for third place.

Last of the double clears, and taking fourth place, was Suzanne Posnett and Foesuela, when they galloped home in 46.77 seconds.

Kate Derwin posted a very fast time with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down, clocking 37.78 seconds, but it came at a price as she had one on the ground, which saw her take fifth place in the line-up.

Brendan Murphy also recorded a lower time than the winner when going around in 38.80 seconds with Immun Ocean Ogara, but a four-fault penalty would only prove good enough for sixth.