Killossery Lodge Stud proved to be happy hunting ground for John Floody as he recorded his first win in the 2017 Connolly’s Red Mills and Showjumpers Club Spring Tour.

Floody, who has previously held this title, led the victory lap with Ballyknock Diamond. This topped off what was a winning weekend for the Co Meath rider as he also took the honours in the 1.20m and 1.30m classes with Clare Craig’s Craigmanus Hold Up Diamond on Saturday.

Delighted with the win, Floody said: “It was a great weekend here at Killossery with all horses going well. I am delighted with Ballyknock Diamond and Craigmanus Hold Up Diamond. Ballyknock Diamond was very consistent last season and it’s good to see that he is continuing on from this success. He is a horse that has won a lot of aged classes and has moved up nicely to Grand Prix level. He has a lot of scope and the plan is to jump him in the New Heights Champion Series.”

Owned by Francis Hughes, Ballyknock Diamond is a nine-year-old by Jacomar out of a Touchdown-sired mare Ballinlock. Now under the command of Floody for the third year, the gelding has an impressive record which includes a second in the National Grand Prix league in Barnadown last year, a win in the 1.35m Ulster Grand Prix in Cavan and second in the Autumn Grand Prix in Cavan. Going midway in the ten strong jump-off, Floody didn’t hang about with the big striding Ballyknock Diamond. He first made up time when opting to take five strides from fence one to two; this matched with a tight turn back to the double and then to the last saw him clock the winning time of 33.55 seconds.

Doyle close

Competing in his first leg of the series for 2017, Edward Doyle took a more careful approach with Derryinver Luxury Cruise, jumping clear in 37.33s to take the runner-up spot.

Placed sixth in the Cavan leg, Derek McConnell added to his points tally when he partnered the seven-year-old gelding Sri Lanka Gotham Lad to a clear in 40.48s for third.

Currently sitting top of the leaderboard, Sven Hadley was keen to make his presence felt and he didn’t disappoint when he piloted Why Not Fado to a clear in 41.71s for eventual fourth.

Kuehnle impresses

Another impressive performance from young rider, Jennifer Kuehnle saw her back in the line-up for a third week. Riding Dento, she accounted for fifth place when she came home clear in 42.51s.

This placing was enough for her to take the leading young rider prize which cements her top position on the young rider leaderboard with 11 points. Speed merchant against the clock, Tholm Keane took off in a determined pace with Future Storm, but despite this good pace, his hopes of a win were dashed when faulting at the last. All was not lost for the Kilkenny rider – he finished fastest of the four faulters in 34.14s for sixth.

Wesley Ryan riding Bernhard suffered a similar fate to Keane, albeit in a slower time of 41.61s for seventh. Runner-up on two occasions to Sven Hadley, Shannon MacKenzie had to contend with eighth place when she incurred four faults with Dyolita in 42.56s.

Leading Pro-Am rider of this round and picking up a Botanica hamper was Deirdre Doyle.