With the stakes ever increasing in this year’s Plusvital Showjumping Ireland Premier Series as the fourth leg got underway at Maryville Equestrian center. As we draw closer to the leading two riders of the series being awarded their spots to compete at this year’s Dublin Horse Show, forty hopeful combinations declared for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The Tom Holden built course saw fourteen riders make it through to the jump off where tensions rose as those in contention for top of the leaderboard put it all on the line to increase their chances of securing one of the spots.

To those watching on, each and every rider that made it through to the speed round gave their absolute all once the starter beam had been broken, with the fastest finish the only result in mind. But a rapid round while leaving everything standing proved challenging as this leg saw only six combinations deliver an elusive double clear. Remaining cool, calm and collected throughout, Mikey Pender and the Marion Hughes owned HHS Calais (Cavalier Royale x MHS OBOS Cruise) proved ground covering paces and clever turns were the winning formula. The pair, who’s recent victories include a team win for the Doha Falcons at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Paris, crossed the finish in a time of 43.59 seconds enough to beat Jason Foley’s 44.86 seconds aboard Chedington Fixit (Diamant de Semilly x Pinochetta0. Plusvital Brand Ambassador Francis Derwin Jr continued his in consistent form following Saturday’s win of the Gain Alltech National Grand Prix to round out the top three with Destina Du Mesnil Z (Dobel van’t zorgvliet x Bernadette).

Making the prize giving presentation for the afternoon’s Grand Prix was Plusvital CEO Eoin Thompson. Competitors first to third received a sport horse supplement prize pack including Plusvital Sport Syrup, Re Zest and Electrolyte Plus to help support the recovery and performance of their horses for the duration of this competition. With the placings finalized in Maryville the Plusvital Premier Series leader board remains incredibly tight at the top as combinations have one more chance to add to their points before this year’s two leading riders are awarded their places in 2024 Dublin Horse Show International Classes. Niamh McEvoy & Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick remain in top spot on 16 points. Currently in joint second are Patrick Hickey with Casago II and Nicholas Connors aboard Fornett D’Emeraude both on 14 points. It is set to come down to the fifth leg of series at National Balmoral on July 21^st to determine what combinations will be Dublin bound. The full leaderboard is available to view at here 

Stay up to date with Plusvital & Showjumping Ireland’s social channels for coverage of this year year’s series. Check out Plusvital.com for all your equine supplement needs.

Imagery by Bit Media