ACTION at the National Grand Prix Show in CoilÓg kicked off last Saturday with the 1.10m Mervue Equine Leinster Tour, with a huge start list of 85 combinations contesting this section of the popular league.

Placed second in the round at JAG, junior rider Jamie Hargaden took the honours with the seven-year-old Maggiemae, when they delivered a double clear in a time of 31.77 in the two-phase class. Owned by Barbara Hargaden, the Je T’Aime Flamenco mare was bred by Siobhan Dunne out of the Lancelot-sired Tennyson Legend.

Young rider Hallie Crowe took the runner-up spot, when she partnered Niamh Power’s CSF Alfie to a clear in 31.79. Junior rider Caoimhe Spacey was less than a second behind with the six-year-old Ringwood Patience in a time of 32.14 for third place.

Hallie Crowe took another place in the line-up, this time delivering a clear round with the six-year-old Nikita in 33.15. Young rider Ciara Fives also kept the poles in place with the six-year-old Nairobi, stopping the clock in a time of 33.21 for fifth place. A clear from Michael Moran and Carrigshawn Doctro in 34.14 saw him complete the top six line-up.

The 1.20m Mervue Equine Leinster League saw 65 go to post and it was once again Jamie Hargaden that emerged as the winner. This time riding Geron RS, he took victory when clear in 30.99 seconds. Again owned by Barbara Hargaden, the 13-year-old gelding is by Vigo D’Arsouilles and is out of the Germus R sired dam, Way Balia RS.

Junior rider Cian Byrne and the seven-year-old Lunasa Cruise took the more cautious route and delivered a clear in 33.06 for second place. Hallie Crowe also found herself back in the ribbons with CSF Alfie, claiming third place with a clear in 33.38 seconds. Junior rider Anna White and SBH Diamond In the Rough was only fractions behind with a clear in 33.39 for eventual fourth.

A clear from Tom Keville and the eight-year-old Jupiter in 33.78 saw him take fifth place. It was a good outing for Hallie Crowe, as she took sixth place with Riverstown Flamenco Cruise when maintaining a clean sheet in a time of 33.81.