The second round of the Gain Horse feeds/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix at The Meadows last Saturday saw 29 combinations battle it out for the €3,000 on offer in the Kelly Mechanical Dungannon-sponsored class. Placed second last week at Ravensdale, John Floody made no mistake this time around as he partnered Mise Le Meas into the winner’s slot.

Afterwards, a thrilled Floody said: “It was a great result and I was delighted at how both horses jumped. I have produced Mise Le Meas since a four-year-old and he has been very consistent through the aged classes. He had a good run in the HSI Studbook series and has moved up a level and I believe that he is a horse for the future. My other horse, Bronson De Reve, was just a bit unlucky but I am delighted at how he went.”

Owned by Mathew Birch, Mise Le Meas is an eight-year-old by Cruise On out of Cissie Lass. This year, the gelding moved up to 1.40m level with ease, taking fifth place in the 1.40m TRM/Horseware Grand Prix in Ravensdale in May.

Course designer Ray Buchanan presented a fair course, which saw 10 combinations proceed to the jump-off. First to go, Patricia Stewart Greer set the bar high as she lodged a clear with Rehab in 44.75 seconds. National Grand Prix Champion, Darryl Walker didn’t hang about with Riverside Ace, lowering the target to 36.90. Cormac Hanley tried hard to catch Walker with the Captain Clover-sired stallion Captain Caruso, slotting into fourth with a clear in 37.13. Floody got his first look at the track with Bronson De Reve but four faults at the penultimate water tray in 36.61 meant that he finished outside the top six.

Catherine Thornton, riding Lowhill Glenard Lad, posted a clear in 38.80 for fifth place ahead of Patricia Stewart Greer.

All eyes were on Darryl Walker as he returned with Cushions and crossed the line just off his own target in 36.97 seconds.

Second last to go, John Floody knew what he needed to do to take the lead with the big-striding Mise Le Meas, posting the winning time of 34.87, leaving Walker to take second with Riverside Ace and third with Cushions.