WATERFORD’s Paul Beecher and Seryna Van Kuelen’s Danqu won the opening round of the 1.30m Grand Prix in the O’Brien’s Saddlery Series in Maryville on Wednesday. Beecher was third into the ring and set the very fast time of 27.61.

It was a nail-biting finish to the class when last to go, Gemma Phelan on board James Noonan’s Cullinagh UG, stopped the clock at 27.99 to take second place. It was a good day out for Phelan who also took fifth pace riding Victoria Foster’s eight-year-old ABC Ballycruise in 32.64 as well as sixth place on board Thomas Hyland’s Coolisheal Lance in 32.96. Completing the line up in third place was Madeline Roberts Allen riding her own Celah Sue De Rialfo Z in 30.91, and Philip Horgan took fourth on Cathal McMunn’s eight-year-old Loughan Special in 31.29.

Paul Beecher commented: “It’s a fantastic initiative on behalf of the Molan family, especially in the difficult times we’re in just coming out of a lockdown. It’s a brilliant facility and my horses always love jumping here. Well done to O’Brien’s Saddlery for sponsoring the Series.”

Moran in flying form

Robyn Moran dominated the 1.10m and 1.20m winning both classes with Brian Moran’s European Cruise. The Sweetnam sisters were well represented in the line-up for the 1.20m with Abbie Sweetnam taking second on Alexander Hamilton’s stallion Zavatar F. Holly Anne Sweetnam took third on Barra Sweetnam’s Verdi Valentina and fourth with Susan Sweetnam’s One And Only Spartacus.

Completing that line-up was Maura Counihan riding James Carew’s Kiss and in sixth was Caroline Ryan with her own Failte Iroko.

There are two remaining qualifiers on Wednesday, May 19th and June 23rd. To qualify for the final on July 7th, combinations must have competed in at least one qualifier in the relevant class.