Riding the 13-year-old Andiamo-sired gelding Vampire (KWNP), the former world champion lodged the winning time of 35.61 seconds. Using his last advantage in the nine-way jump-off, a daring gallop to the last in four strides saw him make up valuable time over the Ray Buchanan-designed course.

This is the second win for the combination at home this year, having also won a leg of the opening round of the Pegus Leinster Summer Tour at Louth County Show.

Delighted with the win, Dermott said: “It was a very competitive class and it had some fast combinations in the jump-off. Going last always makes things a bit easier as you know what you have to beat.

The horse is naturally quick and is well able to take the tight turns, which allowed me to make up time throughout the course. It was a good win before we head off to Shanghai next week.”

Crossing the line almost a second behind with Falco Van Spieveld was Dean Rogan, who did enough to take the runner-up spot. On form following his win in the Pegus Leinster Summer Tour the day before, Sven Hadley left nothing to spare as he took it on with Quanbell. Despite his normal quick pace and a late to go draw, a clear in 37.42 for the Galway rider proved only good enough for eventual third.

Keen to extend his lead on the board after his win in Cavan, Daniel Coyle didn’t hang about with Uptown Girl. However, despite his best efforts, a clear in 38.39 saw him slot into fourth place, but it was enough to move him into poll position on the overall leaderboard.

It was a short trip for John Floody, who also took home some of the spoils after he delivered a clear with Mise Le Meas in 38.66 for eventual fifth.

Returning from International duty, Captain Michael Kelly was keen to make his presence felt. A faultless round with Dunganstown Boy, his time of 39.01 saw him claim sixth place.

RDS qualifiers

In other national show jumping news, the first round of the RDS horse qualifiers got underway at Galway Equestrian last week. Claiming the seven/eight-year-olds class was Thomas O’Brien and Hector Van D’ Abdijhoeve, while Declan Egan claimed the six-year-old class aboard CSF Mr Kroon. James Hogg took the honours in the five-year-old’s with European Cruise.

Amateurs

In the amateur RDS qualifiers, it was Westmeath native Aileen McDermott and Kilcor Amber that took the win in the second qualifier in Tubberbride, Sligo.