Capt Geoff Curran took two of the top places in the Allianz Autumn Grand Prix at Maryville last Sunday. Riding Galway Bay Liath (AES), he lodged the fastest double-clear in 37.47 seconds.

Bred by Justin Burke from Galway Bay Stud, the nine-year-old gelding is by Prince Des Vaux out of the Touch Stone-sired Simply Touch. Justin Burke, who owns Galway Bay Stud, bought the dam (Simply Touch) eight years ago and she has proved to be a successful mare for the stud, with 14 offspring registered, three of whom are Traditional Irish Horses (TIH), two by Diamond Chin and one by Carrick Diamond.

On the international circuit, Rich Fellers is campaigning the eight-year-old Aurora’s Diamond (Jack Of Diamonds x Simply Touch) and in June the pairing won the 1.35 at Spruce Meadows. Daddy Cool (Aldatus Z x Simply Touch) has also jumped up to CSI5* with Italian rider Roberto Cristofoletti. Burke has a four-year-old half brother from the mare by Silvermines Cruising, whom he stands along with Guinness (KWPN).

Under Curran’s command, Galway Bay Liath has clocked up a series of results, including a win in the Tattersalls National Grand Prix in June and sixth place in the Grand Prix in National Balmoral. In the international arena, the combination finished eighth in the speed class in Dublin this year and sixth in the Grand Prix in Millstreet CSI 2* with a win in a Table A.

WALKER SECOND

Wicklow rider Darryl Walker took second place when he lodged a clear with Cushions in a time of 38.60. Owned by Manuela Martinelli and bred by Edward and Catherine Doyle, Cushions is an 11-year-old mare by the world famous Flexible out of the Flagmount Diamond-sired Ard Flo.

Not content with the win, Capt Geoff Curran also took third place with Shannondale Rahona. Bred by Peter Rice from Monaghan, Shannondale Rahona is an 11-year-old mare by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan and out of Cavalier Hill. The dam has four offspring competing on the show jumping and eventing circuit.