Alexander Butler lodged his first win in the 2018 TRM/HSI New Heights Champion Series leaderboard, when he rode to victory in the Omagh Show today (7th July). Riding Eldorado (KWPN), he lodged the winning round of double clear in a time of 33.69 seconds. In total, 23 took up and challenge and of those, 11 delivered clears first time out.
Owned by James Egan, the gelding is a nine-year-old, by Zapatero VDL and out of the Kojak sired dam, Pimernel. The combination finished sixth in the round in Ballinasloe, in what was their first round of 2018. In June, they won the Grand Prix in Mullingar CSI2* and took fourth in the Table A. On the international circuit, they took a runner-up place in Opglabbeek and before this, notched up a series of good results in Arezzo CSI3*.
Darragh Ryan, added to his tally on the leaderboard, when he partnered Rincoola Rua into second place, when clear in 33.62. Owned by Alexander Butler, Rincoola Rua is a 11-year-old mare by Diamant de Semilly and out of Rincoola Abu.
Dermott Lennon and MJM Pursuit, also delivered a foot perfect performance, but was fractons off Ryan’’s time of 35.01. Owned by MJM (IOM) Holdings Limited, MJM Pursuit is a nine-year-old mare by Aldato (KWPN) and out of a Limmerick mare, Mountain Mist. This combination have only recently returned to Irish soil, having taken in shows in Europe, which includes, Vejer de la Frontera CSI4* Maubeuge CSI3*and Hamburg CSI4*. They returned for Balmoral CSI2* and took a win in the Table A.
Slotting into fourth place, was Jake Hunter and the Sandra Duffy owned, Cento Blue, when clear in 35.13. Hunter was named as the top placed young rider and received a €100 TRI Equestrian voucher. Hunter, who is based with the Duffy family, moved to Ireland in 2014, after meeting Michael Duffy in the Youth Olympic Games in China. At the age of 21, he has a impressive career. He represented Australia at the FEI Children’s International Jumping Competition Final in Bogota, Colombia. Hunter, was one of the youngest competitors and finished ninth.
Fifth place belonged to Tholm Keane and BMH Big Time, when they kept all the poles in place in 36.30. Owned by James Buckley & Caroline Teltsch, BMH Big Time is nine-year-old stallion, by Luidam and out of Magestic Cavalier.
Completing the top six line-up, was Rebecca McGoldrick, who was riding her own Fleur IV (Chatman x Marco Mara), when double clear in 36.41. This combination has only recently moved up to this level and are already demonstrating great form.
The winning owner and receiving a crystal vase and champagne was James Egan, while the winning groom was Hazel James and took home her prize of €200.
Declared:24
Started:23
Through to jump off:11
Top Placed Young Rider (€100 TRI Equestrian voucher): Jake Hunter
Winning Owner(Crystal Vase and champagne): James Egan
Winning Groom (€200 cash): Hazel James
1st: Alexander Butler, Elderado (0/0-33.69)
2nd:Darragh Ryan, Rincoola Ryan (0/0-33.62)
3rd:Dermot Lennon, MJM Pursuit (0/0-35.01)
4th:Jake Hunter, Cento Blue (0/0-35.13)
5th:Tholm Keane, BMH Big Time (0/0-36.30)
6th:Rebecca McGoldrick, Fleur IV (0/0-36.41)
7th:Dermot Lennon, Gelvins Touch (0/0-41.16)
8th:Emily Turkington,Willem (0/4-33.18)
9th:Clement McMahon, Hilton Pacifico (0/4-34.52)
10th: Gerard O’Neill, Dondoctro Ryal K (0/4-34.69)