Former World Champion, Dermott Lennon stamped his class on a very competitive field in the opening leg of the GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League at Ravensdale Lodge when winning with Vampire.
 
The County Down based rider came out on top in a tightly fought jump off beating off a hefty challenge from the Army Equitation School's Capt. Brian Curran Cournane.  Vampire is a multiple winner on the International circuit for Lennon and his experienced counted for a lot when stopping the clock in 39.55 to take the opening leg sponsored by MSL Mercedes Benz.
 
Captain Brian Curran Cournane slotted into second with the Cruising gelding Starboard to add to his list of good results throughout the National Grand Prix League and Premier Series where they took several placings in each League.  They broke the beam at 39.70 to finish just behind Lennon.
 
Olympic Bronze medallist, Cian O'Connor took third with his new mount Carolus Z.  The reigning GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League Champion left all the fences standing in both rounds in a time of 40.28.  O'Connor stated during the week that he will be using the Autumn Grand Prix League to produce some new and younger horses but today's impressive performance will show that he will still remain a force to be reckoned with throughout the League.
 
James Chawke slotted in next in fourth place with the exuberant mare Zydalgo M.  The combination were another double clear in a time of 40.87 and should have some more good results to come.
 
The line up was completed by John Floody with the exciting 7 Year Old, Bronson De Reve taking fifth while Peter Smyth was sixth with Almiro.
 
The GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League goes next to Cavan Equestrian Centre on September 29th.
 
GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix 1st Leg - Ravensdale Lodge
€3,000 Kindly sponsored by MSL Mercedes Benz
 
1st Dermott Lennon/Vampire 0/0 39.55
2nd Capt. Brian Curran Cournane/Starboard 0/0 39.70
3rd Cian O'Connor/Carolus Z 0/0 40.28
4th James Chawke/Zydalgo M 0/0 40.87
5th John Floody/Broson De Reve 0/0 42.34
6th Peter Smyth/Almiro 0/0 49.07