LIAM O’Meara scored his third win this season in the Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix League. Partnering his own Mr Coolcaum, O’Meara provided the fastest of only six double clear rounds to clinch the win in last Friday’s €4,000 feature class at Omagh.

Course builder Raymond Jess set the challenge for the 40 starters on the beautifully maintained grass area which saw eight combinations progressing through to the jump-off at the Tyrone Farming Society showgrounds. With Peter Smyth and John Floody managing to qualify two mounts each, the jump-off did not disappoint for the spectators who gathered on the banks.

Emily Turkington was first to go in the jump-off producing a text book clear round and laying down the time to beat at 45.66 aboard Cormac McKay’s Jay Gatsby. Finishing in fourth place, Turkington was the only female rider in the winning line-up.

Midway through the jump-off it was Peter Smyth who managed to take several seconds off Turkington’s time, racing to cross the beam in a time of 42.62 with CHS Krooze, owned by Kathryn O’Hagan. It was a good day for Smyth with CHS Krooze finishing in third place and his second mount Roscrib de Ross slotting into sixth. CHS Krooze, an eight-year-old mare (Kroongraff x Cruising) has been carefully produced by Smyth up the ranks since he acquired the ride two year ago.

John Floody had heartbreak at the last fence taking four faults with his first mount Shalamar Cassino owned by Jim and Tony Magennis so returned to the ring fighting with his second mount HTS Blackrock racing home clear in a time of 42.61 to finish in a well deserved second place. The 11-year-old stallion owned by Brian Kieran has been campaigning steadily this year with Floody through out the 1.35m and 1.40m classes.

Second last to go, O’Meara left nothing to chance, galloping confidently through the finish line in a time of 42.44. It was a sweet victory for O’Meara allowing him to extend his lead on the National Grand Prix leaderboard where he currently sits in first place with his long term partner Mr.Coolcaum.

O’Meara is also in second place with Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight.

Mr Coolcaum, a 14-year-old gelding (Coolcaum Hill x Indian Ruler), has been a real winner for O’Meara in recent years and has already this year taken two wins on the National Grand Prix circuit as well as placing third at both Ballivor and Galway legs of the league.

Speaking after his Omagh win, Liam O’Meara said: “I’m delighted to take the win here today, it makes the long drive worth it! It will extend my lead on the National Grand Prix leaderboard this year which is a combination league of horse and rider. I have to say the ground here was perfect, the show did a great job making sure it was ready for the weekend. I’ll continue to follow the National GP circuit, I will head to Cork Summer Show this Sunday.”

In fifth place were Philip Gaw and Arndacashel Coovella who cruised home in 49.78. Young rider Jonathan Smyth incurred four faults in the first round with his successful partner Ping Ball but managed to be the highest placed young rider of the competition taking home a voucher for his efforts.