DOWN’S Lorcan Gallagher had a great conclusion to the Kentucky Summer Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, when he and Copycat claimed the top spot in the $50,000 Kentucky Grand Prix on Saturday night.
From a select start list of 16 combinations, only two jumped clear in the first round – Gallagher and Canada’s Chris Pratt on board Ideaal ES.
Both managed to keep all the fences standing second time out, so it was down to the clock to separate them.
Gallagher’s time of 46.59 seconds was just over a second faster than Pratt’s time (47.80), which gave the Co Down man the win and the $15,000 top prize, while Pratt had to settle for runner-up spot and $11,000.
The third place prize of $6,500 went to Belgian rider Jens Filippusson with Ferrari VDL, who was the fastest of the four-faulters in the first round with a time of 70.27 seconds. Another Irish man, Kevin Gallagher, finished in sixth place with Ballerina-Hoem.
“I went early in the order and Copycat jumped fantastic – actually felt really easy. He is an amazing horse and he popped around it,” said Gallagher after his win. “I want to say thanks to the owners, Lost Lake Farm. They’ve been great supporters of mine now these past couple of years and we’ve knocked on the door a lot, but this is our first Grand Prix win, so thanks very much to them!”