RAPHAEL Lee didn’t have far to travel on Sunday to claim the top two places in the 1.35m Euro Conn Insulation & Dry Lining Connaught Grand Prix, sponsored on the day by Curley Interiors.

On home soil, the 2018 defending league champion rode Jackie Lee’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Kashino (Cassino x Captain Clover) to the fastest of six double clear rounds against the clock in a time of 40.43 seconds to take the lions share of the €3,000 on offer.

Also taking the runner-up spot, he guided his uncle John Lee’s consistent Captain Marko (Captain Clover x Kannan) to a clear round in 42.32 seconds. This combination were the overall winners of the league last season and qualified for the 2018 international young horse classes at the RDS when winning a qualifier. They lead this year’s league after being placed in all four legs so far.

Another rider to produce two clear in the jump-off was Claremorris’ Shane Goggins who guided Lorrine Beirne’s Madame Tussaud to third place when breaking the beam in a time of 42.62. He also claimed sixth when last of the clears with Laura Burke’s seven-year-old Clinton-sired mare Galwaybay Penelope.

Olive Clarke continued her good run of form with Lauren Kardel`s Aimoise Valiere to slot into fourth, just ahead of James Joyce with his own Garryduff Jar of Hearts.

The fifth round of the Euro Conn Insulation & Dry Lining Connaught Grand Prix took place at Galway County Show yesterday (Friday).