A win in the final leg of the GAIN Alltech Grand Prix in Mullingar yesterday saw Jonathan Smyth and Mulvin Lights out retain their title for the second year in a row. The combination was narrowly trailing behind Niamh Mc Evoy and BP Hybernia going into the final, but after the win, Smyth took the title on 37 points, while McEvoy finished as the overall runner-up on 33 points.

Smyth also finished third on the leaderboard with Crystal Graf on 31 points. In total 30 lined out to contest the €4,000 class which was supported by Interchem Ireland on the day and from those eight booked their place against the clock. It was a very close class with four double clears being delivered and all within 38 second mark.

Late to go in the draw, Smyth and Mulvin Lights Out took the win when they galloped home with nothing to add in a time of 36.27 seconds. 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.

Smyth was chased home by junior rider Francis Derwin and Babou Derick, who was fractions behind in 36.76 to take second place. Owned by Francis Derwin, the 12-year-old mare is by Ready Boy Des Forets and is out of the Caridor Z sired dam, Carolien Z. The mare was previously campaigned by English rider Laura Johnson up until this time last year. This combination took second place in the round at Tattersalls.

Jonathan Smyth got his first luck at the course with Crystal Graf and he didn't hang about, delivering a clear in 36.84 for third place. Another consistent horse in this league, Crystal Graf is by Lux Z and out of the Graf Magna sired dam, Lady Graf. Amongst this combinations good results were a win in Tattersalls, second in Omagh, fourth in the Meadows and fifth in Ballivor.

Last of the double clears in a time of 37.47 and accounting for fourth place was Leah Stack and Fubalia. The 13-year-old mare is by Verdi and is out of the Indoctro sired dam, Ubalia SHB. This is a new ride for Stack having taken over the ride in April. The pairing took not long after in the Mervue Equine Summer Tour in Inistioge. The mare was produced by Anna Smith up to 1.35m level with much success.

Niamh McEvoy knew that she needed the win to take the title and the pressure was on as she took to the course with BP Hybernia. The young Tyrone rider clocked a very fast time of 34.86, but with one on the ground she had to settle for fifth place. The pairing were top of the leaderboard heading into the final following their win in the penultimate round in Barnadown. Owned by GBBS Int LTD the 13-year-old gelding was bred by the late Dr Noel Cawley, he is by Flexible and out of Ballinakill Clover(ID) by Clover Hill (ID). Niamh took over the ride in June this year in Mullingar CSI2*.

McEvoy also accounted for sixth place with My Diamant Pd Z, when they finished on four faults in a time of 37.06. Owned by GBBS Int LTD, 11-year-old gelding is by Mylord Carthago and is out of the Diamant de Semilly sired dam, Diamamda Willebeke Z.