Kilkenny native Ger O’ Neill recorded his first Grand Prix win of the season when he partnered Eamonn Murphy’s Dondoctro Ryal K to victory in the Horseware/TRM Grand Prix at Barnadown last Sunday.

One of 43 starters in The Stallion Company sponsored class; O’Neill was one of 13 combinations to secure a place over the Tom Holden jump-off course.

Delighted with the win; O’Neil said; “This is a special win as I broke the stallion myself and I produced him through the ranks. I bought him as a three-year-old with Eamon and as a five-year-old we had a client interested in purchasing him. Instead of selling him, Eamonn decided to buy my share out .This worked out for both of us, as I have a horse to compete at the top level on and Eamonn gets a great kick out of seeing us do well.

Speaking about the jump-off, he added, It was quite fast but Dondoctro is naturally quick. Although I was quick with John Floody coming after me I decided to take the chance and I took a stride out to the last, thankfully it paid off”.

Dondoctro Ryal K is an eight-year-old stallion by Indoctro out of and Ahorn mare, Toverfee S. As a young horse, the KWPN stallion has demonstrated plenty of ability, qualifying as a five and six-year-old for Dublin Horse Show.  Ridden by O’Neill, they went on to claim a win in the qualifier class in Dublin in the five-year-old division and as a six year-old, took a runner-up placing in the qualifier. This year they started off strong when claiming fourth in the Connolly’s Redmills Spring Tour in Wexford and last week took third in the national Grand Prix in Thomastown.

Late to go in the timed-round with Dondoctro Ryal K, O’Neill meant business from the start. A series of good turns throughout the course, matched with a daring gallop to the last saw him stop the clock in 36.99 seconds to take the win.

Always one to watch against the clock, John Floody knew the turns to take, however despite a gallant attempt with Ballyknock Diamond he crossed the line fractions behind in 37.29 for second place.

Ger’ O’ & Amy O’ Rourke made no mistake with Joanne Attley’s Toscana, albeit in a slower time of 39.70 for third place, ahead of Kildare rider Edward Doyle and Chirokko, who clocked 40.17 for fourth.

Fifth place was occupied by Neal Fearon and Billy On Time, when they left everything in place in 40.18.

No stranger to this pressure having had a great pony career, Michael Pender answered all the questions with with Z7 Cordanos V and delivered a clear in 40.47 to complete the top six line-up.

Horseware/TRM National GP results from Barnadown Showjumping

Kindly sponsored by the The Stallion Company

1st Dondoctro Ryal K/G. O’ Neill 0/0 36.99
2nd Ballyknock Diamond/J.Floody 0/0 37.29
3rd Toscana/A O’Rourke 0/0 39.70
4th Chirokko M/E.Doyle 0/0 40.17
5th Billy On Time/N.Fearon 0/0 40.18
6th Z7 Cordanos V/M.Pender 0/0 40.47
43 starters 13 through to second round