JUNIOR rider Eoin Brennan rode to victory in the SJI Autumn Grand Prix at JAG Equestrian Centre last Sunday when he partnered Eskola M to the winning round in 35.81 seconds. Owned by Tim Brennan, the 13-year-old gelding was bred by J.W.G. Mooren and is by Singapore out of the Mermus R-sired Aranca.

Speaking after the win, Eoin Brennan said: “It was a fantastic result and I’m delighted to win an SJI Autumn Grand Prix. We got this horse a year ago through Cian O’Connor and he has loads of ability. This year I had my Junior Certificate and I’ve been away a lot with the pony team so I never got a run of shows with Eskola until now.

“He’s taken a while to get used to as he has such a big stride, but I’m learning about him gradually and taking all the advice from the senior riders. My ponies are sold now so I can concentrate on him and hopefully try to make some junior teams next year.

“It was an honour to be involved in the jump-off with Cian. Tom Holden built a tough track and the footing in JAG Equestrian was super. Thank you to the sponsors of the class and hopefully this can be the first of many Grand Prix wins for me”.

Placings

Brennan was in good company as Cian O’Connor accounted for the next two placings in the line-up. O’Connor took the runner-up place, when he delivered a clear with Taj Mahal in a time of 38.16. Owned by Susan Magnier, the nine-year-old stallion was bred by Eric Van Giel and is by Emerald Van’t Ruytershof out of the Quannan R-sired Deja Vu van de Neerheide.

Not content with second, he slotted into third place with his own Checkter, when he also kept the poles in place in a time of 40.38. New to Karlswood, this nine-year-old stallion is by Cellestial out of the Lord Pezi-sired dam IIonka.

Edward Doyle added points to his leaderboard tally with Quick Bill when last of the double clears in a time of 42.62 for fourth place.

Bred by Edward Doyle Snr, the nine-year-old gelding is by Flexabill out of the Quick Star-sired Nalmund De La Tourette.

Manuel Feldmann and Ivan put in a very fast round, clocking 37.61, but with one pole on the ground, they had to settle for fifth place on this occasion.

A native of Germany, Feldmann (25) joined the Karlswood team a few months ago and will be developing the young horses.

The plan will be that while Cian is competing in Florida, Feldmann will compete in Spain with a selection of younger horses. Owned by Deborah Francis, the nine-year-old gelding is by Namelus R out of the Damiro-sired Karla.

All to play for in final

Winner of the round in Killossery with her other charge Far West De Hus, young rider Emma McEntee also added to her record sheet as she completed the top six with Balia Silvia, finishing on four faults in a time of 41.01. Owned by Castlefield Breeding Farm, Balia Silvia is a seven-year-old mare and is by Balou Du Rouet out of the Sivio I-sired Narnia Del Gardesano.

Although Brennan took this win, the battle for the overall title continued between Edward Doyle Jnr and Quick Bill and Emma McEntee and Far West De Hus. With Doyle finishing in fourth place with Quick Bill, he added six points to his tally. However, McEntee finished in seventh place with Far West De Hus, which meant she accumulated no points in this round.

Going into the final round in Cavan on December 4th next, Doyle has 34 points while McEntee is on 22 points. With 12 points up for the win in the class, it is still possible for McEntee to claim the title, provided Doyle is not placed. As per the rules of the SJI Autumn Grand Prix, in the event of a tie for any of the above awards, the rider /horse combination with the highest placings in the final round will be deemed the winner.