JUNIOR rider Francis Derwin got his summer season off to a good start on Saturday, as he clinched victory in the opening leg of the 1.40m GAIN Alltech National Grand Prix at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre.

The Athlone rider partnered Parvati Aeg to a double clear in a time of 39.12 seconds, beating off the challenge from 10 others that booked their place in the jump-off. Duffy’s has proved lucky for Derwin in the past, having also claimed the Autumn Grand Prix last September with Parvati Aeg. The combination has previously been placed at this level, having claimed the runner-up spot in the GAIN Alltech National Grand Prix in Maryville in July. Derwin is no stranger to success in these opening rounds, having also won the opening leg of the Autumn Grand Prix in Mullingar. Last year, along with international duties, he was one to watch in the National and Premier Series Circuit.