Darragh Ryan’s excellent winning form of late continued when landing the Rumbles Catering-sponsored Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix at the Ballinasloe show grounds last Saturday.

Riding Paul Carr’s Zuidam, Ryan, who is based at Greg Broderick’s Ballypatrick Stables in Thurles, was the fastest of a hugely competitive 18 horse jump-off to land the lions share of the €4,000 prize fund.

Risk taker

Thirty-three lined out over Paul Duffy’s track, and 18 of those went through to the jump-off. Mid way to go in the second round, Ryan took every risk on the windy track to break the beam in 34.20 seconds.

Liam O’Meara clocked a double clear with his first mount Lincourt Lux in 43.00, which put him in sixth place.

Looking to extend his league lead even further when last to go with Helen Sheridan’s Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight.

O’Meara set off at pace and clocked a decent time of 35.67 to take the runner-up placing.

Young rider Tim MacDonagh was next best in third place with his mother Jackie Lee’s Tick Tock Tina, clocking a clear round in 37.85.

Francis Connors occupied the next two places. He guided Ian Smyth’s Capitol Cruis into fourth place in 38.10, ahead of the Hilda Anthony-owned Lates du Carel (0/0 38.39).

O’Meara holds a massive 35 point lead on the leader board with 51 points. The next round takes place at Mullingar International on Saturday, 3 June.