Connors Extends Lead in GP League

Francis Connor’s extended his lead on the SJI National Grand Prix leader board when he claimed the winners rosette at Bannow and Rathangan Show today (Thursday) on board Sean Hayden’s, Lundy Lad.

Using his late draw to the best advantage in the eight-horse jump-off, Connor’s showed his usual determination and landed the spoils in the Killeen’s Equestrian Sponsored Grand Prix, with a clear in a time of 38.97.

This Waterford native now heads the SJI National Grand Prix leader board on a total of 44 points.

Not content with taking the winner’s slot and the lion’s share of the €3000 prize fund, this rider also claimed third place on Hugh Fitzpatrick’s Erne Blaze. Acting as pathfinder in the timed round, Connor’s set an early target of clear in 40.47 to put it up to the rest.

A delighted Connor’s commented:  It was a hard one to win as the standard was high. This horse is a real star and once again he pulled it off I am delighted with him.

This combination also demonstrated good form when they took the runner-up place in Charleville Grand Prix last month.

The sponsors of the Grand Prix, Killeens Equestrian Store were equally as happy with the class. Speaking after the event, proprietor Nicola Curran said:  “It was an exciting competition to watch, the standard was great. We are delighted to be able to sponsor this event. Overall the day went really well”.

Taking the runner-up spot was Cian O’Connor, riding his own and Stephen O’Connor’s Markopaulo, when coming home with a clean sheet, just fractions behind the winner in a time of 39.39.

Taking fourth place was Capt. Shane Carey on board the Minister for Defence’s Annestown. This pairing delivered a foot perfect round in a time of 40.72.

1. Lundy Lad, Francis Connors (Owner Sean Hayden) 0/0 38.97

2. Markopaulo, Cian O’Connor (Owner Stephen O'Connor Cian O'Connor) 0/0 39.39

3. Erne Blaze, Francis Connors (Owner Hugh Fitzpatrick) 0/0 40.47

4. Annestown, Capt. Shane Carey (Owner Minister For Defence ) 0/0/ 40.72

5. Aly, Thomas Byrne (Owner Sharon Walker) 0/0/ 43.06

6. Finders Keepers 2 Anne Marie Fitzpatrick (Owner Harry Fitzpatrick) 0/0/ 43.07

7. Java Magic Dermott Lennon (Owner Dermott Lennon) 0/4 40.83

8. Springer Eddie Moloney (Susan Power) 0/8 38.59

9. Vis A Vis, Steven Smith (Owner Yvonne Keohane)  4 95.80

10. Billiebob, Robert Splaine (Owner, Robert Splaine) 4 104.71