Mikey Pender Claims Top Spot in the Plusvital Premier Series at Balmoral

The fifth leg of the Plusvital Premier Series took place last Sunday at the Balmoral Showgrounds, drawing 39 combinations to contest the 1.50m course in the main grass ring. The competition was fierce, only 11 riders advanced to the second round, and just six managed to produce double clear rounds.

It was Mikey Pender who claimed the win aboard his homebred 8-year-old gelding Madgeslane Louis, marking a breakthrough performance as the pair competed at this level for the first time. Based at Hughes Horse Stud, Pender has built an impressive international career representing Ireland, including multiple victories and placings at CSIO5 events* such as Aachen, Dublin, and Rotterdam. He has also contributed to Ireland’s Nations Cup successes, further cementing his reputation on the global showjumping stage.

After the class, Pender spoke to Orla Queally of Plusvital, saying:

“Big thanks to Plusvital for sponsoring the Premier Series — it’s a fantastic series, and we are very lucky to have it. I also use the Plusvital supplements — I think they’re brilliant. Louis is on the Sports Syrup, so it definitely helped today in the jump-off.”

Taking second place was Comdt. Geoff Curran with Hawthorn Hill, followed by Max O’Reilly Hyland in third on Rock Warrior. The remaining double clears came from Kian Dore (Helssinki) in fourth, Susan Fitzpatrick (Guedelon Billy) in fifth, and Jonathan Smyth (Mulvin Lui) rounding out the top six.

The series now moves to its sixth and  final leg, on Sunday, July 27th at Tattersalls, where the National Champion of 2025 will be crowned. The final leg will also determine which two athletes earn invitations to compete at the prestigious Dublin Horse Show.

Plusvital’s, Orla Queally, was on-site to present the prizes. The top three riders each received a Plusvital Gift Pack, including Electrolyte Plus, Electrolyte Gel, Sport Syrup, Re-Zest, and a product brochure.

📸 Photos courtesy of Trace Media

Full results available at www.sjilive.com

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