FRANCIS Derwin Jnr’s domination of the Gain Allech National Grand Prix continued last weekend, as he claimed the round at Maryville on Saturday. Riding Parvati Aeg, he lodged the winning clear in 36.73. It was their fourth league win this season.

Maryville has proved a happy hunting ground for this pair; they claimed the runner-up spot in the Grand Prix at the venue last July. This win means the combination sits on top of the leaderboard on a total of 40 points. His closest rival is Dermott Lennon and Gelvins Touch on 18 points, with seven rounds left ahead of the final at the Irish Breeders’ Classic.

Owned by Francis Derwin, Parvati Aeg is a Belgian Warmblood by Arezzo VDl out of the Darco-sired Sabrieene.

There was a good following for this round, with one of the biggest startlists of 46 combinations going to post. Of the original starters, 22 delivered clear rounds first time out, however only 13 contested the second round, with the remainder opting to withdraw.

Taking the runner-up place was Aimee Barry and Garryndruig Limoncello, when they came home clear in 38.01. Owned by Joe Barry and bred by Geri McGeoghan-Santry, Garryndruig Limoncello is an 11-year-old mare by Amaretto Darco out of the Cruising mare Garryndruig Cruising Akademi. This was the second good result for this pair, who also claimed the runner-up spot in the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix the day before.

Karlswood Stables-based Tobias Kuhlage and Cludio followed closely behind, delivering a clear in a time of 38.70 for third place. Owned by Nicole Walker, the 10-year-old stallion is by Casall out of the Cassini I-sired California 4.

Orla Queally answered all the questions aboard Gentleman Time in 39.52 for eventual fourth. Owned by John Queally, the 13-year-old gelding is by Quality Time out of Desteny van de Molendreef (Cento).

Robert Splaine’s clear with his home-bred seven-year-old stallion Coolcorron Lone Ranger in 41.20 saw them take fifth place. This stallion is by Tyson out of Jokers Bell C (Sylguff Joke VII).

Gemma Phelan and her own Beechfield Billy Barnwell completed the top six, when they crossed the line clear in 41.27. Bred by Donal Barnwell, the 10-year-old gelding is by Billy Mexico.

There was a leg of the series at Bannow and Rathangan on Thursday and another takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at HHS Stud in Co Kilkenny.