Thomas O’Brien ensured this weekend’s prize in the TRM/Horseware Grand Prix remained on his home-soil as he took the honours at his home base of Galway Equestrian. O'Brien's win not only saw him claim the winner’s share of the €4,000 on offer, but he also lodged his first points on the overall leaderboard.
Riding Connaught Bloodstock’s 10-year-old gelding Amaretto, O'Brien put in a lightning round, which saw him cross the line over five-seconds faster than his closest rival in 34.35 seconds.
Full of praise for the horse, O’Brien said; “The horse has been jumping very well on the international circuit, so I knew he was on form and well able to make up the time. It was always going to be a competitive class and really in the jump-off you needed to be clear, but at the same time keep your eye on the clock as Geoff Curran had set the target with a clear. I really just kept galloping to the end and I made up time to the last, which was a bit of a gamble as a few had faulted at that point. The plan now is hopefully I will get picked for Jumping in the City and after that keep going on the national circuit and add points to my leaderboard score”.
As expected the Alan Wade designed course threw up a few questions and as a result only six combinations from the 35 listed-starters proceeded to the second round.
Capt. Geoff Curran aboard Seapatrick was the only other rider to deliver a double clear. Opting to take a more cautious line with the seven-year-old, they crossed the line with nothing to add in 40.68 for second place. Not content with the runner-up spot Curran upped the pace with Shannondale Rahona, but it came at a price as he recorded four faults in 37.18 for fifth place.
Roscommon native, Conall McLoughlin had his sights focused on the win as he took it on with Shannondale Sonic. However, despite a good attempt, four faults in 34.80 meant that he finished down the line in third place.
Gabriel Slattery didn’t hang about with John’ Byrnes Captain’s Magic Touch, but he too incurred four faults in the slower time of 35.58 for fourth place.
Making the trip from Kildare, Edward Butler was keen to feature in the top end of the line-up. Riding Harold Mcgahern’s eight-year-old mare Rincoola he set off at a good pace, but four faults in 38.20 meant that he had to contend with sixth place.
TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix from Galway Equestrian Centre 7th June result.
1st Ameretto/Thomas O Brien 0/0/34.35
2nd Seapatrick/Capt Geoff Curran 0/0/40.68
3rd Shannondale Sonic/Conall Mc Loughlin 0/4/34.80
4th Capt Magic Touch/Gabriel Slattery 0/4/35.58
5th Shannondale Rahona / Capt Geoff Curran 0/4/37.18
6th Rincoola Rua/Edward Butler 0/4/38.20
6 into jump off.