HEADFORD Gymkhana’s grounds had luxuriant grass and excellent footing which, together with Paul Duffy’s course and enthusiastic riders, made for entertaining competition last Saturday.

There were 23 starters in the Sunshine Windows & Doors Connaught Grand Prix, supported by Horse Sport Ireland and Pegus Horse Feeds, and sponsors on the day were Jim Joyce Hardware and The Anglers Rest Hotel, Headford.

With plenty of young riders in action, the youngest on the day was Cathal Duffy, who is still eligible to ride ponies.

Ten combinations came through to the jump-off and first to go was Liam O’Meara with Realt Na Carraig who was clear in 46.47 seconds.

The following four competitors faulted and then an in-form Thomas O’Brien took the lead on Lux Classic with his clear in 45.31. O’Meara then went clear with Kennys Flight and filled third place (46.95).

Jessica Bourke and Vitesse were next in, accelerating through the finish clear in 43.42 taking 1.89 seconds off Thomas’s time to take the lead.

Tim MacDonagh (Tick Tock Tina) were the fastest four-faulters to finish in fifth place, while Esi Hazel and Mark Duffy took sixth. Captains Magic Touch and Gabriel Slattery seventh and Puesta de Sol and Mark Duffy eighth.