THE GAIN/Alltech National Grand Prix title for 2021 went to Galway show jumper Tim MacDonagh riding Hollypark Galloway (Castlelawn Galloway x Diamond), a gelding he purchased at the Cavan Sales as a foal and produced.

After consistent results throughout the summer, 24-year-old MacDonagh was confirmed as winner of the Gain/Alltech-sponsored league at the final round in Tipperary in early September.

During the 19 rounds held over a busy summer circuit, he won one round in Galway, was second at the first round in The Meadows and placed in six further rounds to accumulate a total of 48 points. This was 15 points ahead of his closest rival, Francis Derwin Jnr on 33. Francis Connors was third on 32, while John Floody was fourth on 28.

Commenting on the league win, MacDonagh said: “I’m very happy with my horse (Hollypark Galloway), he’s been very consistent all summer. This win isn’t just for me but for my entire team; my mum has been at practically every show and we do a lot of work training the horses at home.

“Joe Sharkey gives me great help and I’ve been training with Denis Flannelly since this time last year.

“I’ve had Hollypark Galloway since he was a foal and have produced him through the ranks. He feels like he has more to give; he’s been very consistent at this level (1.40m) but also at 1.50m so I’m hoping we can maybe go away this year to some ranking shows.

“Having Gain and Alltech on board as sponsors for the league is fantastic, and I think all the riders would agree with me that all the venues involved and the organisers did a great job under sometimes difficult circumstances this year.”

Read all the 2021 reviews from the national show jumping scene here.