Show jumping

Emer Bermingham

John Floody regained his lead on the Gain/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix leader board when taking the honours in the penultimate round at Wexford Equestrian last Sunday. Riding Mathew Birch’s Mise le Meas, Floody recorded the winning time of 36.08 seconds to claim the lion’s share of the €3,000 in the Dublin Providers, Willie Mullins Racing and Talbot Hotel-sponsored class.

A delighted Floody said: “It was great to have this win ahead of the final at Cavan next weekend. Cormac Hanley is one to watch next weekend.”

Mise le Meas is a eight-year-old gelding by Cruise On and of Cissie Lady and has been campaigned by Floody for two years.

Triple-handed in the jump-off, Francis Connors delivered his best result with Capitol Cruis when lodging a clear in 37.34 for the runner-up spot. Connors also accounted for sixth place in 40.93 with Erne Ladygoldilocks.

Jenny Rankin took third place with Colorlands Cheyenne when clear in 37.77. Rankin was chased home by Anna Carway and Ajaccio, fractions behind in 37.85 for fourth.

Event rider Sarah Ennis set the bar when she lodged a clear with BLM Diamond Deluxe in 38.79, which proved good enough for eventual fifth place.

Earlier, all eyes were on the inaugural HSI Mare Championship for five- and six-year-olds, which boasted a prize fund of €15,000. Leading the victory lap was Eddie Moloney aboard LLC Cruicerath Flexianna, who lodged the winning time of 38.02 seconds.

The mare by Flexible (ISH) and out of Pannamarenca (KWPN) was bought from Gerard Campbell and Jack Doyle and has been campaigned by Moloney for the past year with much success.

Moloney said: “It was a good way to finish the season for the mare as she will now go on a break. This is a mare with a lot of potential, I am looking forward to competing her next year.”

There was more good news for the breeder of Cruicerath Flexianna, Gerard Campbell, who picked up €600 for Moloney’s win.

Taking the runner-up prize was Ita McDermott, who partnered Angela Devaney’s Cobra Khan to a clear in 39.44. Fractions separated the next placings as Olive Clarke left everything standing with James Hoare’s Dowdstown Indi in 39.49 for third, ahead of Jenny Rankin and Deirdre Bourns’ MHS Attraction.

Philip Gaw opted for the more careful approach with Ardnacashel Coovella and a clear in 41.50 ensured him fifth place. Kevin Gallagher slotted into sixth place with Mighty Mavis.