SHOW JUMPING

Emer Bermingham

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Show jumping action continued last weekend with the first round of the Horseware/TRM National Grand Prix and the Premier Series taking place at the Louth County Show.

In the National Grand Prix on Saturday, it was 18-year-old Mayo native Darren Hopkins and Mister Cruise who led the victory lap in the €4,000 Horizon-sponsored class.

Owned by Leo Carey, Mister Cruise is an 11-year-old gelding by Cruising out of Erics Clover.

Hopkins said: “I was delighted with the result as it was our first National Grand Prix win. The horse was bred by my grandfather Leo Carey, so this makes the win even more special.”

Of the course, he added: “It was challenging and you really had to keep an eye on the clock as the time allowed was tight. There were a few turn-backs in the jump-off which suited me as the horse has a big stride and is well able for the turns. The plan for next week is the young rider qualifiers at Cavan.”

Speed merchant against the clock, Daniel Coyle set the pace with Luidam with a clear in 37.92, but was demoted into second place when Hopkins shaved fractions off his time with a clear in 37.88 seconds to take the class.

Fresh from his win at the final of the HSI/ Connolly’s Redmills Spring Tour, Darryl Walker had his eye on the red rosette. Riding Cushions, Walker wasted no time and a clear in 38.05 proved good enough for eventual third.

Fourth place belonged to Ger O’Neill, who also delivered a clear with Go For It in a slower time of 38.27. A familiar partnership on the circuit, James Hogg and The Interpreter made no mistakes when they lodged a clear in 38.51 for fifth, ahead of Frank Curran and New World who was clear in 40.17.

Horseware/ TRM Premier Series

Sunday’s Premier Series proved to be a family affair with Alexander Butler claiming the honours aboard Hallowberry Cruz, while Edward Butler took the runner-up spot with Cornet Son. Using his late draw to his advantage in the jump-off, Alexander Butler made up time from fence one to two when taking out a stride. Matched with a series of good turns, he scorched home with nothing to add in 46.83 seconds. Owned by Caroline Byrne, Hallowberry Cruz is a nine-year-old stallion by Cruising out of Calcutta Clover.

Butler said: “ The course really suited him as he has a big stride so I could take out a few strides. I have only been riding the horse since last year. Prior to this he was campaigned by Ger O’Neill. I took him to Lanaken and Lummen this year and he stepped up to 1.50m level. Although he was placed in Belgium, the main objective was to prepare him for the Premier Series.”

Edward Butler opted to take a more cautious approach than his brother aboard Cornet Son, but it paid off as he lodged a clear in 49.54 for second place.

John McLaughlin was only fractions behind with Javas Wild Child when clear in 49.94 for third. Returning from a successful show in Lanaken, Vincent Byrne was keen to deliver on home soil and he didn’t disappoint as he crossed the line with Hannibal V Overis Z in 49.98 for eventual fourth.

Catherine Thornton and Derryinver Luxury Cruise continued the good form demonstrated in the Spring Tour and a clear in 53.16 saw them finish in fifth, ahead of Peter Moloney and Ribanbelle Tame, clear in 53.30 for sixth place.