Galway’s Sven Hadley has certainly made his mark on the Connolly’s Red Mills, Showjumpers Club Spring Tour, as he recorded his second straight win of the series at Cavan last Sunday.

Riding his winning horse from the first leg at JAG Equestrian, Sumas Taloubet, Hadley crossed the line almost a second faster that his closest rival. Last to go in the 14-way jump-off, he lodged the winning time of 37.05 seconds.

Hadley said: “It was great to have another win in this national series and to have it so early in the season. The time we spent competing in Europe really stood to the horses as they are just that bit fitter. This type of competition suits them as they are fast and careful at this height. Shannon McKenzie had set a fast time, but I knew if I could keep it tight and gallop to the last that it could be beaten. I have got off to a good start so the plan will be to get to as many as possible. It’s still very early in the league but I would like to think that I will contest the remaining rounds.”

Antrim rider Shannon Mackenzie didn’t hang about with the Lux Z-sired mare Ben’s Lady Lux and a clear in 38.24 saw her slot into second place. This combination has proved consistent at this level last season. Last year they finished off their season with a win in the 1.30m class at the Portmore Winter Championships. Making the trip from Kilkenny, Tholm Keane put his first points on the board when he kept everything in place with Caroline Teltsch’s KWPN stallion Delano W in 38.79 for third place. An eight-year-old by Flipper D’Elle and out of Stakkato, this stallion has recorded a series of good results in particular competing in the Munster Grand Prix league.

Runner-up in the opening leg at JAG Equestrian, Galway rider Damien Griffin is keeping the pressure on Hadley as he lodged a clear aboard Pamela Donaghy’s Captain Clover gelding Tabby. Although Griffin opted for a safer approach, his time of 39.22 saw him slot into fourth place, which means that he is trails the leader by just eight points at this early stage. Griffin also accounted for fifth place when he recorded a clear with Breda Carroll’s Armani BS in 41.57 seconds.

Derek McConnell’s decision to play it safe with the seven-year-old Cassidee-sired gelding Srilanka Gotham Lad paid dividends as he crossed the line with nothing to add in 44.20 for sixth place.

For the second successive week, Jennifer Kuehnle (15) from Laois took the Leading Young Rider prize. This time, she was riding Deirdre Bourns’ Electric Feel, four faults in 40.31 proved good enough for seventh place. Similarly, Vickie Anderson claimed the Leading Pro Am rider of the second week when she crossed the line aboard Zack, carrying four faults in 44.03 for eighth place.