THE pressure was certainly on John Floody and Jonathan Smyth last weekend at Cavan as both they went into the final weekend of jumping in the Allianz Autumn Mini Grand Prix tied on 25 points with their leading horses. A former winner of this league in 2010, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Floody is no stranger to this type of pressure and he came out on top as he took the win last Saturday with Bronson De Reve.

This was the second win for Floody at Cavan that day having also won the 1.30m with Kevin and Geralyn Thompson’s Donevan Erkindare. He added to his tally when he partnered Marie Quigley’s Castleroche Rebel into fourth in the same class.

A delighted Floody said: “Yes the pressure was on and I really knew that I had to go for it with Bronson. Bronson is such a great horse and has won quite a bit in Cavan so I knew it was possible, but it would involve clocking up two wins which was a big ask. It was also difficult going first as you had nothing to chase.”

Of the course, he commented: “It was a decent track for the final rounds. Stuart Clarke did an excellent job in the course design, because he show jumped himself he knows how to test horses without frightening them. There were a few elements that could catch you out but thankfully it went my way.”

Owned by Eileen Duggan, Bronson de Reve is by Clem McMahon’s former international mount Hermes De Reve out of Oktober. The 11-year-old gelding was bred by Eamon McGurik from Co Louth. McGuirk has also bred a full-sister (4yo) and a half-sister by Ramiro B (5yo).

FULL HOUSE

Clashing with the annual Showjumpers Awards gala evening in Co Kildare, there was still a full turnout at Cavan with a startlist of 49 declared.

Eight combinations proceeded to the timed round and Floody was up against it on two counts. In the first instance, he had failed to secure a place with his leading horse Black Diamond and he was first to go against the clock with Bronson De Reve. With experience on his side, Floody did not give in under the pressure and delivered the first double clear in 37.69 to take victory in the first of two league deciders.

Next in, Paddy O’Donnell took a careful approach with the Maeve Al Aidarous-owned Abunabab. This careful approach with the seven-year-old Nabab De Reve-sired gelding paid dividends as they recorded a clear in 45.72, which would later see him take fourth place – a good as this was their first 1.35m to compete in.

Maura Counihan Jnr was next to take it on with Killerisk Minnie, and similar to O’Donnell, she didn’t take any unnecessary risks. She was rewarded when crossing the line in 39.34 with nothing to add which saw her slot in behind Floody in the final line-up.

SPEED MERCHANT

Speed merchant against the clock, Tholm Keane took to the course with his usual determination with Future Storm and there were anxious moments for Floody as he took every tight line.

Despite a gallant attempt from the Waterford rider, his hopes of a win were dashed when he faulted at the last and crossed the line in 38.21, which would later see him take sixth place.

Taking a cautious approach with the Riverlodge Equestrian-owned Avalon Du Carpont also paid off for Michelle Kenny as he crossed the line with a clean sheet in 50.62 for fifth place.

Third last to go, Tadhg Kearney and Ballydarton Chipson were up for the challenge and didn’t hang about. A series of good turns throughout the course saw them cross the line clear in 42.27 for eventual third.

Daniel Fitzgerald riding Godfrey Hughes’s Mullentine Jetstream meant business from the off, but four faults at the third last and crossing the line in 40.69 would see him finish in eighth place.

Last to go, all eyes were on Jonathan Smyth as only he could deny Floody the title win. Riding Charlton Clio, Smyth knew what was at stake and gave it his all.

Despite his best efforts however, he, like Fitzgerald, fell victim to the third last and stopping the clock in 38.37 left him having to be content with seventh place in the line-up. He finished as runner-up in the league.