Last Saturday’s South County Dublin Show saw 68 riders go to post in the TRM/ Horseware National Grand Prix at Coilóg, while 31 combinations contested Sunday’s Premier Series.

Dermott Lennon led the victory lap in the National Grand Prix and took home the lion’s share of the €4,000 on offer. Riding Corbeagh Luxor, he was fastest in the 12-way jump-off, crossing the line in 45.12 seconds. This is the second win of the series for Lennon, having won the round in Ravensdale with Vampire. Owned by Dermott and Cathal Lennon, Corbeagh Luxor is 10-year-old gelding by Lux Z and out of the Ballinvella-sired mare, Corbeagh Vella.

Course designer Tom Holden built a technical course at Coilóg which resulted in 14 clear rounds, of which 12 contested the jump-off. Although Vinny Byrne had the advantage of going after Lennon, a clear with Mr Rockefeller in 46.45 only proved good enough for the runner-up spot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Accomplished combination Darryl Walker and Manuela Martinelli Cushions kept the foot on the accelerator and a clear in 46.55 seconds saw him slot into third place.

Premier GP

Cian O’Connor demonstrated his talent on Sunday as he took his first TRM/ Horseware Premier Series victory in the Doyle, Bagnall and McMahon €12,000 sponsored class.

Riding Aramis 573, O’Connor delivered a double-clear round in 40.32 seconds to take the majority share of the prize fund. By Askari and out of Kentucky III, the eight- year-old stallion Amamis 573 has delivered some impressive results on the international circuit recently. Just last week the combination took the runner-up spot in the 1.50m Tom Hudson Derby at Hickstead.

Delighted with the win, O’Connor said: “It’s always nice to have a win so close to Dublin. It gives you that extra bit of confidence. I am very please with Aramis as he is still quite young and it’s a great indication of what his future holds. I am looking forward now to Dublin.”

Under the guidance of O’Connor, American Lillie Keenan opted to take the more cautious approach with Super Sox. Although she crossed the line almost four seconds slower than her mentor, her time of 43.95 seconds saw her slot into second place.

Liam O’ Meara and Mr Coolcaum also put in a faultless performance over the two rounds, but a slower time of 45.05 seconds proved only good enough for third.