Ciaran Nallon (below) maintained his recent good form winning the 1.35m Top Spec Grand Prix at Cavan last Saturday. Riding his father Richard’s 11-year-old Bally Fair Deal, the junior rider clocked the winning time of 35.65. In what was a very calculated round, Nallon made up time throughout the course and a tight turn after the double and to the final oxer saw him post the winning time.

The Mayo native is considered as Ireland’s one to watch. He had a glittering pony career and was part of the gold medal winning team at the 2017 European Championships. He was also leading rider at Fontainebleau FEI CSIOP 2017.

Last year the 16-year-old was awarded the Western People Mayo Sports Star award. This year Nallon was runner-up in the Young Rider Championship with Bally Fair Deal and was fourth in the 148cm Championship in Dublin. Last week riding Cardine, he took fourth place in the Grand Prix in Eglinton.

Nallon has also clocked up a series of impressive results on the international circuit on both ponies and horses, including being part of the junior team that finished second in the World Championship in Opglabbeek. He is also producing a string of young horses on the Irish circuit.

Cavan lineup

Winner of the Autumn Grand Prix at Maryville and Connaught Grand Prix Champion, Raphael Lee partnered Kashino to second in 36.90. Bred and owned by Jackie Lee, the 10-year-old mare is by Cassino and out of Captain Pride (Captain Clover)

Eddie Moloney jumped clear with Derek Gaw’s Rocky Bond in 36.90 for third. Bred by Susanne McConnell from Antrim, the 14-year-old gelding is by Clover Echo and out of Madam B.

Maura Counihan finished fourth, jumping clear with Killerisk Minnie in 40.00. Bred by John Breen and owned by Counihan, the 15-year-old mare by Corghano out of Vasco Clover (Vasco).

Jumping clear in 41.25 and claiming fifth was Angela Percy and Five Star Quality. Bred and owned by Hilary Furlonger, the nine-year-old gelding is by O.B.O.S.Quality 004 and out of Five Star Clover (Clover Hill).

Furlonger has five other off spring registered from this dam and has used stallions, Pacino, Kannan, I’m Special De Muze And Harlequin Du Carel.

Completing the top six line-up was Tim Macdonagh riding Hollypark Galloway, clear in 41.74.

Bred by John McCann, the eight-year-old gelding is by Castlelawn Galloway and out of Whitestown Diamond.

McCann has four other offspring registered by the dam.