There was no stopping Thomas O’Brien as he rode to victory in the TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix on his home soil of Galway Equestrian last Sunday. Riding Connaught Bloodstock’s 10-year-old gelding Amaretto, O’Brien finished almost six seconds ahead of his nearest challenger, when stopping the clock in 34.35 seconds.

Delighted with the win, O’Brien said: “It was a very fast jump-off and I knew that I needed to keep it tight. Geoff had delivered the first clear, so it put extra pressure on. I knew the horse was on form, so I just went for it and it worked out. It was lovely to have the home win as we have a lot of spectators from the area and they all like to support the local riders. It was our first national GP at Galway Equestrian and we got a lot of support from the riders, which I am thankful for. Hopefully next year we will hold another round.”

Designer Nigel Jess built a strong course with questions being asked throughout. From the 35 listed starters, six combinations made it through to the timed round, with only two riders delivering double -clears.

It was well worth the trip from Dublin for Capt Geoff Curran, who accounted for two placings in the lineup. Curran’s best result was aboard Seapatrick, recording a clear in 40.68 seconds for second place. Curran opted to take the tighter lines with Shannondale Rahona, but it came at a price as he recorded four faults in 37.18 for fifth place.

Conall McLoughlin came closest to matching O’Brien’s time with Shannondale Sonic, but four faults in 34.80 ruled him out of contention, although it was enough to claim third place. Keen to join O’Brien in the lineup, Connaught rider Gabriel Slattery didn’t hang about with Captain’s Magic Touch, but he too incurred four faults in 35.58 for eventual fourth. Sixth place was filled by Edward Butler and Rincoola after they crossed the line carrying four faults in 38.20.