Thomas O'Brien claimed his first Grand Prix win of the 2013 season when scoring at the Clare Equestrian leg of the HSI/Blue Grass Spring Tour on Sunday with Emilion Stallion Valentino T.
Based in Galway Equestrian Centre, O'Brien had several near misses throughout 2012 with David Gallagher entire, but made no mistake in Sunday's leg producing an extremely fast Jump off round to ensure a big victory for the rider.
Having been placed earlier in the league with another mount, O'Brien's top mount was foot perfect all the way and stormed through the finish in a time of 38.51 to take the win.
Stephen Moore took second with the very experienced, Merlins Magic in their first outing together. Having been partnered by Francis Connors and Stephanie Finetto in recent years, Merlins Magic had previously started out his Showjumping career at Rockmount Riding Centre with Stephen's father, David up until his 7 year old career after which he was taken over by Robert Splaine, Connors and then Finetto. Young Rider, Moore, steered the Furisto gelding to a fine double clear in a time of 41.43 to take second.
Tipperary based rider, Liam O'Meara has done well throughout the Spring Tour over the last couple of years taking several wins and places along the way and along with Mr Coolcaum, the pair slotted into third place on Sunday with another double clear in 45.03.
Despite recording the fastest time of the day with Ali G, National Champion Michael Duffy had a unfortunate pole of the floor in a time of 38.31 to take fourth. Duffy also took fifth with Westland Ruby, another with a pole down stopping the clock in 39.27. Kerry rider, Maura Counihan took the final points on offer with Killerisk Minnie in sixth place.
The final weekend in the HSI/Blue Grass Spring Tour takes place this weekend with a double header at Warrington on Saturday before Sunday's Final leg at Coilog in Kildare.
HSI/BLUE GRASS SPRING TOUR - CLARE EQUESTRIAN
1st Thomas O Brien/Valentino T 0/0 38.51
2nd Stephan Moore/Merlins Magic 0/0 41.43
3rd Liam O Meara/Mr Coolcaum 0/0 45.03
4th Michael Duffy/Ali G 0/4 38.31
5th Michael Duffy/Westland Ruby 0/4 39.27
6th Maura Counihan/Killerisk Minnie 0/4 46.29
The Spring Tour is kindly supported by Horse Sport Ireland, Blue Grass Horse Feeds, The Show Jumpers Club, Darragh Equestrian Solutions, Tagg Equestrian, Jumpinaction.net and Mullingar Equestrian Centre.