Recently crowned European Champion, Kate Derwin demonstrated her talent on home soil last Sunday, as she won the TRM HSI New Heights Champion Series at Maryville.

Riding Deep Pockets, Derwin didn’t put a foot wrong in both rounds and completed the second round in a time of 35.16. Owned by Kate’s uncle Jim and bred by Charles Pidgeon from Westmeath, the 10-year-old gelding is by O.B.O.S Quality 004 and out of the Cruising-sired dam, Simple Chic. He is a half-brother to LCC Empty Pockets (Indoctro), who has jumped up to Grand Prix level.

Placed second last week in Tattersalls, Dermott Lennon added to his tally finishing second with Gelvins Touch, jumping clear in a time of 36.09. Owned by Victoria Loane and bred by John McCann, the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding is by Touchdown and out of Whitestown Diamond (Diamond Lad).

Roscommon breeder John McCann continued to have a good day as Hollypark Galloway, who he also bred finished third with Tim MacDonagh, jumping clear in 36.51. Francis Connors and Erne Ladygoldilocks slotted into fourth when clear in 36.85. Bred and owned by Hugh Fitzpatrick, the 12-year-old mare is by VDL Douglas and out of Erne Touch (Some Touch). This combination have proved very consistent in the series, winning in Galway and placing on multiple occasions.

The last double clear came courtesy of Wesley Ryan and Quinar De Cassini, clear in 40.22. This 13-year-old German-bred stallion is by Quinar and out of the Cassini I-sired dam, L-Karina. Currently leading the national league, Liam O’Meara finished sixth with the stallion Oldtown KC.

National Grand Prix

The Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix series at Maryville last Saturday went to Francis Connors. Riding Lates Du Carel they proved fastest of the five double clears in 37.45 seconds.

Owned by Hilda Anthony and bred by Thomas Ryan, the 12-year-old mare is by Harlequin Du Carel and out of Phillies Corner (Kalypso). A full sister to the mare, Ryans Hollie, also bred by Ryan has competed with English rider Hollie Pearce. Lates Du Carel has one foal registered in 2018, who is by Balou Du Rouet.

Winner of the TRM HSI New Heights series in Cork, 18-year-old Jack Brennan added to his tally when he finished second with MHS Jersey Girl, jumping clear in 38.07. Bred and owned by Sinead Byrne from Kilkenny, the eight-year-old gelding is by Cardento and out of MHS Prime Time (Quidam Junior 1). This breeding line has been in the family since the 1960s with much success. Jack is the grandson of the late Ita Brennan, who bred MHS Going Global and MHS Washington.

A clear from Dermott Lennon and L’Espirit Hero Z in 40.28, proved good enough for third. Owned by Eamonn Bishop and bred by Gerry Marron and Luc Henry the eight-year-old gelding is by Lexicon out of the For Pleasure-sired dam, Ikea Van’t Roosakker.

Gemma Phelan kept all the poles in place with Coolisheal Lance in place in 44.19 for fourth. Owned and bred by Thomas Hyland, the eight-year-old gelding is by Lancelot and out of Clover Brigade sired dam, Coolisheal Cruise.

Hannah O’Shea and Cento Blue were the last of the double clears in 48.27 for fifth. Owned by Sandra Duffy, the 10-year-old gelding is by Centadel and out of Dolcetta. Jessica Burke had one down with Castlelawn Captain Junior in 39.16 for sixth.