Women riders continued to make their presence felt on the National Grand Prix circuit today (11th July) as Rebecca McGoldrick rode to victory in the second round of the Underwriting Exchange series at Kernan Equestrian in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland. Riding her own Belgium Warmblood, Horatio Van Erpekom, she clocked the winning round of double clear in 36.22 seconds.
Last week, Susan Fitzpatrick took the opening round Galway, which means that both these riders temporarily share top position on the leader board.
Horatio Van Erpekom is a 13-year-old, by Kannan and out of the Udarco Van Overis sired dam, Cheyenne Van Erpekom. Under McGoldrick’s command, the gelding has proved successful on the national circuit, claiming a win in the National Grand Prix last year in Portmore, before going on to claim sixth in the TRM HSI New Heights Series at the same venue.
Toronto born- McGoldrick, who trains with Dermott Lennon was competing in her first National Grand Prix of the year. Last year she ended the season on a good note, taking the runner-up spot in 1.35m Autumn Grand Prix final in Cavan aboard Kinmar Agalux.
In total 43 pairings went to post at the Crossmaglen venue, and eight of those delivered clears to book their place in the timed round. With the pressure on, just four combinations lodged double clears against the clock.
Junior rider, Francis Derwin was less than a second behind with Carol Gee’s MHS Fernhill Showtime, when clocking 37 seconds, to take the runner-up spot.
Accounting for third place was Dermott Lennon riding his own Athletix Hero Z, stopping the clock in 39.58.
Michelle Kenny played it safe with the Harry Marshall owned Barcelona, and a clear in 41.81, saw her take fourth place.
John Floody delivered a very fast round with Denyse Hughes owned, Ballyknock Diamond, but four faults in 37.36, proved only good enough for fifth place.
Kenneth Graham also had a pole on the floor with his own Beir Bua, but in a slower time of 37.52 for sixth place. Frank Curran (Ardragh Chekoff) also proved out of luck, crossing the line with four faults in 39.16 for seventh, as did Jonathan Smyth (Mulvin Lights) in a time of 42.24 for eight.
Full results available here.
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