11 May Derek Mc Connell wins Studbook Series in Barnadown.
Kildare’s Derek McConnell picked up his first victory in this year’s HSI Studbook Series seven-year-old class with Inlaws Manolo (ISH) at Barnadown on Sunday.
The pair, who were third in the opening leg at The Meadows and represented Ireland at Lanaken last year, went first in the jump-off but saw off the remaining three who qualified.
A very happy McConnell had concerns about his horse’s greenness in the final with the qualifying round having been in Barnadown’s sand arena – but was confident of going close.
“The track probably suited him as there was a lot of space between the fences and he likes to gallop, he likes to go fast. There was a couple of long runs and I really let him open up,” McConnell said.
“It’s never an advantage to go first in the jump-off but I felt when I finished the round I was quick enough to do well, even though I knew what was there in competition after us. It’s really nice, though, that it’s his day.”
Mikey Pender was less than a second behind with HHS Cornetta despite taking the inside line to fence two, their round of clear in 46.04 would see them take the runner-up spot. Owned by Bravo Hughes LTD and bred by Marion Hughes, the mare is by Cornet
Obolensky.
Kilkenny’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy proved out of luck when he had the last oxer down inthe jump-off with the Clare Hughes owned ESI Ali, but his time of 48.65 saw him slot into third place. Bred by Ennisnag Stud, the Gelding by Stakkato Gold.
Fellow Killkenny rider Vincent Byrne had one time fault in the first round with CBI Bella Donna in the first round (85.05), but was fast enough to occupy sixth place. Owned by fellow Kilkenny rider Kaylieght Soden and
bred by Aidan Carroll, the mare is by by Zapatero VDL