Comdt. Geoff Curran wins final round of Showjumping Ireland Premier Series as Jonathan Smyth crowned National Champion

Photo: Comdt. Geoff Curran and the Irish-bred Glengarra Wood (ISH)

The 2023 Showjumping Ireland Premier Series reached it’s conclusion this weekend at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, where Waterford-born army rider Comdt. Geoff Curran and the Irish-bred Glengarra Wood (ISH) took victory with the fastest of just two double clear rounds. Eight combinations went forward to the jump-off, with Curran’s clear in 42.18 seconds leaving him a fraction ahead of runner-up Francis Derwin Jnr and Flexi K, who were the only other double clear in a time of 42.57. Francis Derwin also filled third place aboard AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH) with one fence down in the fastest time of the jump-off (41.23).

A fourth place finish for Jonathan Smyth and Mulvin Lui (ISH) was enough for them to secure the points that saw them top the Premier Series final league table and be crowned the 2023 Showjumping Ireland National Champions. Kevin Gallagher took runner-up spot in the overall series and both combinations will now head to Dublin Horse Show next week as top two combinations from the Premier Series.

BREEDING

Glengarra Wood (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Capitalist (HOLST) out of Cavalier Forest (ISH) by Cavalier Clover Lad (ISH). Breeder: Myles Somers, Co. Wexford. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Captain Geoff Curran (IRL).

Mulvin Lui (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of Castleconnor Baron (ISH) by Baron De Chantepie (SF). Breeder: Vincent Loftus, Co. Kildare. Owner: Roy Craig & Noletta Smyth. Rider: Jonathan Smyth (IRL).

AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH) – 2009 stallion by Cruisings Mickey Finn (ISH)[TIH] out of Whiterock Touch (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH). Breeder: Ann Gannon Clancy, Co. Longford. Owner: Francis Derwin. Rider Francis Derwin Jnr