THERE was a strong following for the final leg of the Mervue Equine Leinster League’s 1.20m class, with 70 combinations battling it out at Mullingar.

Leading the victory lap was Aisling McGreal aboard her own Rincoola Macushla, when they were double clear in 26.60. Bred by the late Harold McGahern, the mare is by OBOS Quality 004 and is out of the Touchdown-sired dam, Rincoola Holly Berry.

Taking the runner up spot was Peter McMahon on the eight-year-old Martell Me This, when they crossed the line with nothing to add in 28.70. Slotting into third place was Victoria McMahon and Cartown Morning Star when they came home clear in 28.85. Fourth place belonged to Deirdre Doyle and Kancruise, when they also kept the poles in place, albeit in a slower time of 28.94.

Cian Byrne was also featured in this line-up, taking fifth place with Lunasa Cruise when double clear and 30.77. Sixth place belonged to David Lawler and Jm Penelope when they maintained a clean sheet in 31.43.

A total of 49 combinations battled it out in the 1.35m final and 11 booked their place against the clock.

Following a great week in Millstreet, Sven Hadley and Phenomene Bleu VDM returned to the winner’s enclosure and they led the victory lap when clear in 37.39. Owned by Hadley Sport Horses, the nine-year-old stallion was bred by Famile Bruggeman and is by Diamant De Semilly and out of the Nabab De Reve-sired dam, Nuance Bleue VDM Z.

It was a good day for Harry Wood as he took the runner-up spot with BP Rocketman, when double clear in 38.38. Wood had gone into this final in pole position and this second place was enough to secure him the title.

Kilkenny’s Vincent Byrne and the Langara Ventures-owned Galwaybay Sparkie took third place, when they kept all the poles in their cups in 38.66.

A clear for Grace McHugh and Berlios Van De Kapel in a time of 39.81 was enough for them to secure fourth place. John McEntee and the Cavan Equestrian-owned Makuna also maintained a clean sheet in a time of 41.13 for fifth place. Junior rider Cian McMunn and Oberon Van’t Lohof answered all the questions in a time of 41.47 for sixth place.