07 Nov Leinster Riders dominate SJI Autumn Grand Prix in Wexford Equestrian
Wexford Equestrian proved to be a happy hunting ground for Ger O’ Neill as Castlefield Sport Horses as they took three of the top placings in the SJI Autumn Grand Prix League last Saturday (5th Nov). Kilkenny’s Ger O’ Neill put his first win on the board when he partnered the eight-year-old Mr Castlefield, a double clear in a time of 34.11 seconds and took home the winner’s share of the €3,000 on offer.
Bred by Zemsky Hrebcinec, Mr. Castlefield is an eight-year-old gelding by Heartbreak ZH and out of the Faust Z sired dam, Sofa. At Millstreet in June, under the guidance of O’ Neill he took the runner-up place in the CSI2* 1.35m. In October under the command of Kevin Gallagher, he competed in Vejer de la Frontera. Amongst its good results was third in the CSI3* 1.35m two phase and fifth in the CSIO3* 1.45.
O’ Neill was chased home by Castlefield rider Emma Mc Entee who was also riding another Castlefield Breeding Farm owned charge, the seven-year-old gelding, Far West De Hus. This combination was just over a second slower, stopping the clock with nothing to add in a time of 35.27. This pairing impressed last week in the round at Killossery Lodge as they took the win. Bred by S.A.R.L Haras De Hus, the seven-year-old Belgian bred by Cornet Obolensky and out of the Lefevre, sired dam Blankonette 111.
Longford rider Jamie Landers and the eight-year-old Skelwith Diamond Lady in a time of 37.26, saw them take fourth place. Owned by David Hedley, the mare is by Kalaska De Semilly and is out of the Balou Du Rouet sired dam Skelwith Lady Delilah.
Kildare rider, Edward Doyle jr added to his leaderboard tally with Quick Bill, when they also delivered a clear, in a slower time of 39.63 for fifth place. Bred by Edward Doyle senior, the nine-year-old gelding is by Flexabill out of the Quick Star sired dam, Nalmund De La Tourette
Completing the top six line-up was Castlefield rider Dylan Savage who was riding the seven-year-old Kelstone, clear in 41.69. Owned by Savage the gelding is by Grand Slam VDL and out of the Cantos sired dam Gheminka.