Jumping on the national circuit continued last weekend, with the opening rounds of the Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix, the TRM/HSI New Heights Champion Series and the ISH Studbook classes taking placing in The Meadows in Lurgan.

Curran on top

Captain Geoff Curran and Glengarra Wood won the TRM/HSI New Heights Champion Series, when double clear in 36.90. Bred by Myles Somers from Wexford, the nine-year-old gelding is by Capitalist and out of Cavalier Forest (Cavalier Clover Lad). This combination has recently returned from international duty at Carmona CSI2* and Valencia CSI2*.

Less than a second behind in a time of 37.38 was Gemma Phelan, riding Rory Costigan’s GRC Acapella. Bred and owned by Rory Costigan, the nine-year-old gelding is by Luidam and out of the Aldato sired, Ballydoolagh Aimee Sunrise.

Jessica Burke was last of the double clears with Liam Nicholas’ Express Trend, in 39.70 for third. International event rider, Cathal Daniel was fastest of the four faulters to finish fourth with Michelle Nelson’s Dartans Quality Brigade. Jack Ryan claimed fifth with Essenar High Hopes.

Ryan’s mentor, Eddie Moloney joined him in the line-up with Caroline Teltsch’s Andiamix Hero Z, when he finished on four faults in 37.96 for sixth.

Scott scores

On Saturday, Simon Scott won the opening Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix. Riding Ploverfield Lilyana, he lodged the fastest double clear in the 19-way jump-off in 37.77 seconds. This combination have shown form this season, finishing third in the Causeway Coast Arena, Ulster Grand Prix and second in the 1.35m RUAS Qualifier at The Meadows.

Bred by Frank O’ Connor from Cork and owned by Ian Miller, Ploverfield Lilyana is a nine-year-old mare by Eurocommerce Pittsburg and out of the Last News sired dam, Ploverfield Lastnews.

Jonathan Smyth finished second with Charlton Clio, jumping clear in 38.69. Bred by Peter Mulrine from Donegal and owned by Richard J W Smyth, Charlton Clio (ISH) is a 13-year-old mare by HHS BR Charlton out of Admiran Clio (Clover Hill).

Rebecca McGoldrick was just over a second behind with Duco, in 39.79 for third, ahead of Harry Marshall and Chirokko M, who claimed fourth in 41.52. National Young Rider champion, Jack Ryan put in a solid performance with Annemarie Fagan’s Essenar High Hopes and a clear in 49.48, which saw him slot into fifth. Kayleigh Soden delivered a clear round in 49.77 with Ard Leaderman for sixth.

Derwin delivers

The five-year-old division kicked off the ISH series. Out of 31 entries, 10 delivered double clears to share the €3,150 prize fund. The winners were: Kate Derwin (Check Your Pockets), Mark Finnerty (Poshes Legacy), Shane Mccloskey (Mary Clint), Kevin Gallagher (ESI La Luna), Stacey Watling (Kittens), Eddie Moloney (Ardkyle First Edition), Sean Kavanagh (Castle Lux Clover), John Mulligan (Lough Scur Quality Lady), Darren Irwin (Trebra Premier Douglas) and Eric Smith (Trebra Indoctro Cruise).

In the six-year-old final, just three combinations delivered double clears. Those clears were secured by Brian Duff (BEC Dazz), Eddie Moloney (Ogue Alva) and Jason Foley (Dawsons Flex).

Kate Derwin was back on the podium when she won the seven-year-old final with MHS Fernhill Showtime (ISH). Bred by the late Ita Brennan and owned by Carol Gee, the gelding is by Cavalier Royale and out of the O.B.O.S Quality 004 sired dam, MHS OBOS Cruise. The combination were the fastest of the six double clears in a time of 39.08 seconds.