European Team Gold Medalist (under 21) Niamh McEvoy came out on top today in the GAIN Alltech Grand Prix in Hollypark in County LImerick. Riding BP Hybernia, the young rider lodged the winning round of clear in 36.98 in what was a ten-way jump off. This is the second win for this combination having led the victory lap at the round of Flavours Of Fingal at the start of the month.

Owned by GBBS Int LTD the 13-year-old gelding was bred by the late Dr Noel Cawley and is by Flexible and out of Ballinakill Clover(ID) by Clover Hill (ID). He was formerly campaigned by Kevin Gallagher with much success up to Premier Series level. Niamh took over the ride in June this year in Mullingar CSI2* and took third place in a 1.35m. She then went on to compete in Hartill CS3*

There was a good turnout for this round with 45 combinations going to post. Of those seven combinations delivered double clears. Fellow team member on the winning European team, Rhys Williams also kept all the poles in place with Cowboy Balou, but in a slower time of 38.32 for second place. This is also the second good result for this pairing on the National Grand Prix circuit having claimed the win in the round in Barnadown in May.

Owned by Williams Sport Horses Ltd and bred by Anja Mohrahrend Zur Lage, Cowboy Balou is a 11-year-old gelding by Cornets Balou and is out of Stutbuch. Derek McConnell and Inlaws Manolo slotted into third, when they put in a faultless performance in a time of 42.63 seconds. Owned by Sorcha Hennessy and bred by Tomas Hester, the eight-year-old gelding is by Corland and is out of the Lord Z sired dam, Helena De Va Lie. This combination had previously finished fifth in the leg at Cavan Equestrian and was sixth in the round at Coilog. Nicholas Connors was less than a second behind with the eight-year-old, Fornett D’Emeraude, coming home in a time of 43.50 for eventual fourth. This combination have demonstrated good form at this level, claiming second place in the round at Wexford Equestrian. Francis Connors left all the poles in place with Carrigshawn Vendi Royal, in a time of 44.98 for fifth place. Owned by Francis, Jenny and Kate Connors, the eight-year-old mare is by Dondoctro Ryal K and is out of Carrigshawn Vendi. Emma O’Dwyer completed the top six-line up, when she piloted CSF Kancruz to a clear in 45.46. Owned by Dwyer and bred by Patrick Connolly, the 11-year-old gelding is by Kannan and is of CSF Telly Curz.