19 Jul Leinster Riders Shine at Balmoral with Strong Performances in the Grand Prix
Leinster riders continued their impressive run at the National Balmoral Championships this week, with standout results in the Premier Performance National Grand Prix.
Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan added another major victory to his season, claiming top honours aboard **Vilja’s Cornet Ballet Queen**. In a highly competitive 88-strong field, Ryan delivered the fastest of just five double clears in the 15-rider jump-off, stopping the clock at 43.88 seconds to secure the win.
The ten-year-old mare, bred by Fabian Scholz and sired by Cornet Obolensky out of a Balou Du Rouet dam, is owned by Emma Horgan and Mikey Pender. The £10,000 feature class, sponsored by Beverage Brands and Roxborough Ground Maintenance, attracted significant attention from both riders and spectators.
Fellow Kilkenny rider **Molly Hughes Bravo** also made her mark, finishing in third place with her home-bred mare **Hhs Orchidee**. The nine-year-old, by Le Roi and out of a Luidam-sired dam, Hhs Tiffany, crossed the finish line in 45.62 seconds to complete a successful day for the region.