Darryl Walker gained a comfortable margin on the TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix leader board with a win at the Meadows EC with Cushions.
The last rider in an eight horse decider, Walker took all the risks to claim the victory in the Craigavon Commercial Dismantlers sponsored Grand Prix worth €4,000 when posting an unbeatable time of 36.39 seconds.
Having made it double handed to the jump-off Walker also secured sixth place in the line-up with Riverside Ace, the fastest four faulter when home in 36.44.
Cushions has been a consistent performer for Walker this season. Currently the leading horse in the league, the Flex-A-Bill-sired mare has picked up numerous placings in the league with Saturday’s win as her third victory this season.
Walker said, “She just wants to win, she has been very consistent.”
With only two legs remaining, Walker’s cushion of 14 points is an important margin but not a guarantee of the title.
“I think the last two shows are going to really count, there are a couple of people on the leader board putting pressure on me,” Walker concluded.
One of these people is 2014 National Grand Prix League champion Vincent Byrne who took not only the runner-up position but also third place. Byrne set the original target to beat at a clear round in 39.23 with Caugherty before bettering his own standard aboard Mr. Rockefeller when across the line in 36.70. Byrne currently sits just below Walker on the leader board.
Clem McMahon took the green rosette on this occasion, partnered with Claddagh Iroko. McMahon logged a fault free round in a time of 39.78 with the eight-year-old son of Iroko. Robert Frazer and Sonas Magnum were the only other combination to supply a clean sheet on their second outing, slightly off the pace in 43.41.
TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix League the Meadows EC 22nd August 2015 Result
Sponsored by Craigavon Commercial Dismantlers
- Darryl Walker Cushions 0/0 36.39
- Vincent Byrne Mr. Rockefeller 0/0 36.70
- Vincent Byrne Caugherty 0/0 39.23
- Clem McMahon Claddagh Iroko 0/0 39.78
- Robert Frazer Sonas Magnum 0/0 43.41
- Darryl Walker Riverside Ace 0/0 36.44