Gerard Clarke took a decisive victory in the twelfth leg of the Horseware/TRM National Grand Prix League at Cork Summer Show. Partnering Kellswater Crimson, Clarke threw down the gauntlet in a ten horse decider to claim the lion’s share of the €5,000 purse sponsored by the Munster Agricultural Society.
Playing pathfinder over Paul Duffy’s shortened and raised jump-off course, Clarke set a target that couldn’t be matched when stopping the clock at a fault free 39.92 seconds.
By Cruising, the 16-year-old Kellswater Crimson has been a reliable mount for Clarke throughout their decade long career. A prolific winner since his first triumph at Grand Prix level back in 2008, this season has proven no different with the pair active in the Spring Tour with victories in Killossery and Broadmeadows as well as featuring in the national league with a runner-up finish in Thomastown.
Damien Griffin almost made it home within striking distance of Clarke’s time with Tabby but had to settle for the blue rosette when the clock showed 40.39. Griffin has shown consistent form with the 11-year-old son of Captain Clover, winning in Ballivor and Ballinasloe and is ranked highly on the leader board heading into the latter stages of the league.
The next three placings were separated by the narrowest of margins with fractions deciding the final line-up. Liam O’Meara came home the quickest of these, across the line with Mr. Coolcaum in 42.52. Only a tenth of a second slower was young rider Susan Fitzpatrick with the Cassini 1 gelding Cavalino logging 42.62.
Reigning National Grand Prix Champion Darryl Walker slotted in just behind this with Cushions recording 42.96. Edward Doyle filled the final spot in the line-up with Derryinver Luxury Cruise , giving a preview of the form that would see him go on to feature in the next day’s Premier Series Grand Prix when clear in 43.81.
Horseware/TRM National Grand Prix League Cork Summer Show 9th July 2016 result
Sponsored by the Munster Agricultural Society
- Kellswater Crimson Gerard Clarke 0/0 39.92
- Tabby Damien Griffin 0/0 40.39
- Mr Coolcaum Liam O'Meara 0/0 42.52
- Cavalino Susan Fitzpatrick 0/0 42.62
- Cushions Darryl Walker 0/0 42.96
- Derryinver Luxury Cruise Edward Doyle 0/0 43.81