It was a well worth trip for Damien Griffin to Ballivor Horse Show last Sunday as he took the honours in the host-sponsored TRM/Horseware Grand Prix. Riding Tabby, Griffin lodged a clear in the winning time of 34.10 seconds to record his second win of the series, having also won at Ballinasloe. Owned by Pamela Donaghy, Tabby is an 11-year-old Captain Clover gelding out of the cruising mare Majestic Cruise.

Course designer James Tarrant’s fair course for the 29 starters resulted in five-double clears.

Taking second place was young rider Jack Ryan riding Cavalier Teaca. Ryan crossed the line over two seconds behind the winner in 36.22. This combination was also narrowly defeated in the earlier Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour, taking second to Co Kildare’s Sean Kavanagh on Dungar Clover Brigade.

Kildare’s Edward Doyle left everything in place with Paul Larkin’s 11-year-old Lux Z stallion Derryinver Luxury Cruise, in 37.01 for third. Winner of the second round in Thomastown Horse Show, Vincent Byrne added to his points tally when he partnered Mr Rockefeller to a clear in 37.27 for eventual fourth.

In fifth place was Jenni Lamminen riding Tom Jones and Martin Walsh’s Lowhill Glenard Lad 44.93. Based in Wicklow, this was the combination’s first Grand Prix placing. The gelding is new to Lamminen stable having previously been campaigned by Catherine Thornton. Winners of the Devenish Bet Showjumping Live Competition in Mullingar International, Vincent Byrne and Caugherty accounted for sixth place when they were the fastest of the four faulters in 34.90.

Earlier Liz Bloomer rode to victory in the Irish Farmers Journal ‘A’ Amateur class. Riding her own Ardrums Pride, she lodged a clear in the winning time of 34.76.

Bloomer was chased home by runner-up Darragh McMahon and Sunnyside Boy, clear in 35.51, ahead of Michelle Brannigan and Toome Cruising Jimmy, clear in 37.89, in third.