Victory in the Cooley Farm sponsored GAIN Alltech Grand Prix in Cork Summer Show went to Westmeath young rider Francis Derwin today. Riding Francis Derwin’s AHG Whiterock Cruise Down, they recorded the winning round of clear in 34.35 and took home the winner’s share of the €4,000 on offer.

The 14-year-old gelding is by Cruising Micky Finn and is by the Touchdown sired dam, Whiterock Touch. At the start of the year, the combination competed in Wellington, and recorded a win in the CSIU25-A 1.45m and third in CSI2* 1.45m.

In total, 17 combinations contested this round, with three combinations booking their place in the second round.

Derwin was chased home by Francis Connors and Rose Maire I, who opted for the safe options, delivering a clear in 43.19. The eight-year-old grey mare was bred by its owner Claire McDonnell and is by Diamant De Semilly and out of the Cruising sired dam, Mo Chroi.

Paddy O'Donnell also opted for the safer lines with the eight-year-old WEC Mermus Rua and it paid off as he delivered a clear in 47.79 for third place. Owned by Pat Peare, the gelding is by Mermus R and is out of Abalou Verte. O’ Donnell also took home a share of the five-year-old HSI Stud Book Series, when he lodged a double clear with his own Kilfarissey To Rome.

Orla Queally was fastest of those on a single time fault in the first round aboard Gentleman-Time, clocking 95.08 for eventual fourth. Owned by John Queally, the 12-year-old gelding is by Quality Time and out of Desteny van de Molendreef. It was a good outing for Queally as she also claimed fourth place in the Kilnamac Maud in the seven-year-old HSI Studbook Series.

Also carrying a single time fault in the first round (98.19) and slotting into fifth place was Tipperary rider Jack Ryan and Yes Man. Owned by Ryan, the nine-year-old gelding is by Don Diarado and is out of Stutbuch.

Francis Connors completed the top six line-up with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, when they were fastest of the four faulters in a time of 88.57. This combination finished fifth in the Connolly’s Redmills 1.35m Munster Grand Prix the day before when they delivered a double clear. Owned by Francis, Jenny and Kate Connors, the eight-year-old mare was bred by John Warner and is by Dondoctro Ryal K and is out of Carrigshawn Vendi.