Clem McMahon closed the curtain on Mullingar CSI2* when triumphing in the third round of the TRM/ Horseware New Heights Championship Series. Partnering Aldaluck, McMahon came out in front with over a second in hand to claim the honours in Monday’s €24,600 feature class at the international show.
McMahon and the nine-year-old Aldato-sired Aldaluck have already shown impressive form this season with victories at the Spanish venue Oliva Nova. Showing the same form, McMahon set the time to beat at a double clear round in 42.62 seconds which not one of the other competitors could catch.
Visiting course designer Mark McGowan had set the challenge for the 54 starting competitors which yielded 14 clears through to the clocked round.
Young rider Michael Pender had set the original benchmark of 43.86 aboard Casanova Van Overis Z which held for the runner-up position. Miguel Bravo’s nine-year-old Casper Van Erpekom Z-sired gelding is a new mount to Pender, with the young rider having only taken up the reins last week.
Stacey Babes secured third position when putting in a solid attempt on Pender’s time. Riding the Ard VDL Douglas-sired Camillo VDL, Babes recorded 44.53. This is another partnership to show good form of late, finishing fifth in the recent international Grand Prix in Balmoral.
Francis Connors came home a second off this pace when breaking the beams in 45.71 with another of Ard VDL Douglas’ progeny Erne Lady Goldilocks.
Vincent Byrne had come early in the jump-off with Hannibal V Overis Z and his solid double clear round in a time of 46.36 secured eventual fifth place in the line-up.
Cormac Rafferty completed the top six with KMR Benzini making it home in 46.97. Having shown exceptional consistency all weekend, the Morgangold Major-sired gelding was awarded the Leading Irish Sport Horse accolade.
The next leg of the TRM/Horseware New Heights Championship Series will take place on June 18th at Galway County Show.
TRM/Horseware New Heights Championship Series Mullingar International June 5th 2017 Result
1) Clem McMahon, IRL – Aldaluck (0)-(0)/42.62-0,
2) Michael Pender, IRL – Casanova Van Overis Z (0)-(0)/43.86-0,
3) Stacy Babes, GBR – Camillo VDL (0)-(0)/44.53-0,
4) Francis Connors, IRL – Erne Lady Goldilocks (0)-(0)/45.71-0,
5) Vincent Byrne, IRL – Hannibal V Overis Z (0)-(0)/46.36-0,
6) Cormac Rafferty, IRL – KMR Benzini (0)-(0)/46.97-0,
7) Francis Connors, IRL – Centolina RB (0)-(0)/48.73-0,
8) Greg Broderick, IRL – Charmeur (0)-(4)/42.13-4,
9) Stacy Babes, GBR – Quilimbo (0)-(4)/45.55-4,
10) Madeline Allen, IRL – Daroento VDL (0)-(4)/51.57-4,