The GAIN Alltech 1.40m Grand Prix got off to a good start today at the Meadows, with 29 combinations battling it out in the first round of the series. Defending Champions Jonathan Smyth and Mulvin Lights Out got off to a great start as they claimed the opening round. The pairing was one of eight clears who booked their place in the jump-off, and they galloped home with nothing to add in a time of 44.03 seconds to take home the winner's share of the £4,000 on offer.
Mulvin Lights Out is an 11-year-old gelding by Kroongraaf and out of the Diamond Serpent sired dam, Diamond Vicky. This combination is no stranger to this type of pressure having last year claimed the title after they picked up points in seven of the rounds. They ended their 2022 season with a win in the 1.40m Bluegrass Grand Prix at the Autumn Championships at Portmore.
Angela Waras also kept all the poles in place with the Hugh Ward owned Diamant De La Mer, but in a slower time of 44.74 for second place. This ten-year-old gelding is by Diamant De Semilly and is out of the Eurocommerce sired dam, Vuelta Du Ter.
Clem Mcmahon opted to take the longer lines with Derry Kingston’s Athea Clover Trend, and it paid off as they came home clear in 46.76 for third place. A new mount for Mcmahon, the ten-year-old gelding, is by Future Trend and is out of the Clover Clon VII sired dam, Athea Clover Breeze.
Jonathan Smyth returned to the line-up, claiming fourth place with Ann Doherty’s Crystal Graf when they were fractions behind McMahon in a time of 46.91. Another consistent animal, Crystal Graf is by Lux Z and out of the Graf Magna sired dam, Lady Graf.
Last of the double clears and slotting into fifth place was Savannah Marshall aboard her own Flambeau, in a time of 48.67. This 13-year-old gelding is by Carambole and is out of Fostella.
Dermott Lennon had his eye on a win as he took it on with MJM Pursuit, but despite a fast time of 43.99, four faults meant he had to contend with sixth place on this occasion. Owned by MJM (IOM) Holdings Limited, the 14-year-old mare is by Aldato and is out of the Limmerick sired dam Mountain Mist. Full results are available here https://www.sjilive.ie/results/12134280 The next round will take place in Portmore on the 30th of April