Despite being in the middle of his Junior Cert examinations, Kilkenny native Jack Ryan proved unbeatable at Coilog last Sunday when he took the win in the 1.35m Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour and then went on to claim victory in the SJI National Grand Prix.

At just 15 year’s of age, Ryan is one of the youngest riders to ever win a National Grand Prix. Riding Cavalier Teaca, Ryan went early in the 15 strong jump-off and lodged the winning round, clear, in a time of 36.89 seconds. Owned by Jack’s Mother Marguerite, Cavalier Teaca is a 10-year-old mare by Glidawn Diamond out of the Cavalier Royale-sired mare Teaca.

A total of 29 riders went to post in the eighth round of the series with four delivering double clears.

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Liam O’Meara booked two places in the jump-off, delivering his best result with Mr Coolcaum. Wasting no time, he kept all the poles in place and crossed the line in 39.33, which saw him take the runner-up spot. O’Meara also accounted for fifth place when he faulted at the first part of the double with Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight in 37.36.

John Floody, who was also double handed in the jump-off, featured in the line-up when he slotted into third with HTS Blackrock who was clear in a time of 42.12.

Third to go in against the clock with Das Pop De Rialfo, Neal Fearon initially proved out of luck when he crossed the line with four faults to break the beam in 47.61. However, with the wind causing an adjoining fence to fall on his approach to fence eight, the judges decided that this did constitute a disturbance and Fearon was later awarded a clear round and as a result slotted into fourth place.

Edward Doyle Snr faulted at fence eight with Derryinver Luxury Cruise, but opting to maintain a quick pace paid off as he stopped the clock in 39.29, which would later prove good enough for sixth place.

LEINSTER SUMMER TOUR

Earlier in the day, Jack Ryan led the victory in the 1.35m Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour. Going early in the class, he again lodged the winning round with Cavalier Teaca, clear in 26.36 seconds and picked up the leading young rider prize of the round.

Ryan’s mentor, Eddie Moloney had previously set the target with Cruicerath Flexianna, when clear in 27.72 but this was only good enough for second. In third place was Joseph O’ Brien and Legaland Lux Breaker, clear in 30.09, ahead of Tholm Keane and Highly Efficient, clear in 31.76.

Fifth place went to Harriet Cooper and Annaghmore Small Hero, clear in 36.38, ahead of Liam O’Meara and Mr Coolcaum, clear in 40.70.

In the 1.20m Mervue Equine Summer Tour, victory belonged to Ger O’Neill riding Clim Bim - they crossed the line clear in 27.39. In second place was Stephen Murphy and Exelsoir Van de Noordheuvel who were just fractions behind with a time of 27.62. O’Neill returned to take third place with Billy Anchor when he crossed the line in 28.07.

Gerard Clarke took the next two placings when when he delivered a clear with Anni San in 28.44 for fourth and a clear with Jockeyhall Midas Touch in 29.97 for fifth. Completing the top six line-up was John Floody and Craigmanus Hold Up Diamond, clear in 30.13.

MUNSTER STADIUM JUMPING

On Friday, Limerick Greyhound Stadium played host to Munster Stadium Jumping. The action kicked off with the 1.10m. Fourteen combinations battled it out for the €2,000 prize fund on offer. Taking the win was Carlow rider Lisa Doyle and Corland’s Clipper. Doyle was one of seven riders to proceed to the jump-off and lodged the winning round when clear in a time of 29.21 seconds.

Kerry rider Sharon Clifford was almost three seconds behind with Belisima in 31.57 for second, while David Moran was the last of the double clears with Toby in 34.53 for third.

Pony riders kept spectators on their toes as they put in some gallant attempts to take home the spoils of the €2,000 on offer in the Coolmore Stud 128cm 1.05m Future Champions class. Taking the top place on the podium was James Derwin and Ballyknock Master Roan after they jumped clear in 30.58. In second place was Ulster rider Matthew Conlon riding The Silver Legend, clear in 31.40. Little divided the next placings as Sarah Fitzgerald and Knockmenagh Rocco crossed the line in 31.43 for third.

GRAND PRIX WINNER

Darragh Ryan added to his record sheet when he took the win in the Horse Sport Ireland sponsored Grand Prix. Ryan and Zuidam where fastest of the eight combinations in the jump-off in 39.14 seconds.

Ger O’ Neill delivered a clear with Eamonn Murphys nine-year-old stallion Dondoctro Ryal K in 40.77 seconds for second place. Munster rider, Paul Beecher once again is proving to be a dominant force on the national circuit and he didn’t disappoint on home soil as he delivered the last double clear in 49.67 with his partner Seryna’s Ikona V.’T Recht Eind for third place.