Tipperary rider Liam O'Meara recorded a second win at Kildare International in the HSI/Connolly's RED MILLS Spring Tour when taking the opening leg of 2015 tour in great style.

Having won two years previously with Mr Coolcaum, the duo doubled up in a hotly contested opening leg in a 17 horse jump off to take the lions share of the €2,500 put up by the host venue.

Tom Holden set a tough track for the 58 starters but such was the quality of today's field that saw a big number make the second round.

Going in last, O'Meara knew the task at hand with Sean Kavanagh lying in pole position after a foot perfect round on Brockwood Supersonic. However, the eventual winner managed to shave almost 3 seconds off Kavanaghs time to shoot to the lead and the win.

Kavanagh settled for second place just ahead of Edward Doyle who held the lead for quite some time off Kris Marshall's Chirokko M. Billie Jean O'Neill slotted into fourth with J Silky.

The leading Young rider on the day was former European Gold Medal winner, Max O'Reilly Hyland who also claimed the inaugural Pro/Am section in the Tour.

The next leg of the HSI/Connolly's RED MILLS Spring Tour will be at Cavan Equestrian Centre next Sunday.  

HSI/ Connolly's RED MILLS Spring Tour 1st Leg - Kildare International Equestrian Centre

1st Liam O'Meara/Mr Coolcaum

2nd Sean Kavanagh/Brockwood Supersonic

3rd Edward Doyle/Chirokko M

4th Billie Jean O'Niell/J Silky

5th Sarah Ennis/BLM Diamond Delux

6th Tholm Keane/Future Storm

17 through to Jump Off

Best Turned Out - Ethen Ahearne/Billy Cavella

Leading Young Rider - Max O'Reilly-Hyland/Dinaro

Leading Pro/Am Rider - Max O'Reilly-Hyland/Dinaro