Galway’s Sven Hadley is certainly proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the GAIN Alltech National Grand Prix as he rode to victory in the round at Necarne (27th May). Riding the eight-year-old stallion Phenomene Bleu VDM, he was fastest of five double clears in a time of 40 seconds in what was a nine-way jump-off. Hadley who is the TRM Spring Tour Champion had also claimed victory in the round in Kernan’s the week before and the weekend before, placed third in the Garranemore Munster Grand Prix.

Owned by Euro Horse Axel Verloy, the stallion is by Diamant De Semilly and is out of the Nabab De Reve sired dam, Nuance Bleue VDM Z.

Defending Champions Jonathan and Mulvin Lights out were hot on the winners heels, delivering a clear in a time of 40.19 for second place. This combination recorded a win in the opening round at the Meadows. The 11-year-old gelding was bought by Smyth’s father in Goresbridge and he is now co owned by the Smyth’s and Roy Craig. He is an 11-year-old gelding by Kroongraaf and out of the Diamond Serpent sired dam, Diamond Vicky. This combination is no stranger to this type of pressure having last year claimed the title after they picked up points in seven of the rounds. Another one to watch in this league,

Luke Campbell and Derryinver Truffle also answered all the questions, albeit in a slower time of 41.85 for third. points.Owned by David Campbell and bred by Tom and Linda Magee, the 11-year-old gelding is by Tornesch and out of the Cruising sired dam, Icing. This combination took sixth place in the opening round of the SJI Premier Series in Barnadown at the start of the month.

A clear for Catherine Thornton and Coachella in a time of 43.89 saw her slot into fourth place. Co- owned by Thornton and David Campbell and bred by Tom and Linda Magee, the nine-year-old mare and is out of the same dam as Derryinver Truffle and is by Ustinov.

Sven Hadley took another share of the £4,000 prize fund when he delivered a clear round with Castlefield Blue (ISH) in a time of 52.58 for sixth place. Owned by Jim O’ Neill, the eight-year-old gelding is by Plot Blue and is out of the Puissance sired dam, Little Miss Puissance.

Dermott Lennon clocked the fastest time in the jump-off with MJM Pursuit clocking 39.93, but it came at a price as he finished on four faults and as a result slotted into sixth place. Owned by MJM (IOM) Holdings Limited, the 14-year-old mare is by Aldato and is out of the Limmerick sired dam Mountain Mist.