Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series opens with win for Kevin Gallagher and The Irish Sport Horse Ballypatrick Flamenco  

Sligo’s Kevin Gallagher and The Irish Sport Horse Ballypatrick Flamenco came out victorious in a hotly contested opening round of the 2021 Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series at Barnadown in Co Wexford, where just two hundredths of a seconds separated the top two finishers.

Kevin Gallagher and Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) pictured with HSI Marketing Manager Sophie D’Alton following victory opening round of the Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series at Barnadown in Co Wexford.. Photo: Laurence Dunne

Ten combinations made it through to the jump-off and Gallagher posted what proved the winning performance when he crossed the line clear in 33.82 seconds with the 11-year-old gelding owned by Greg Broderick Ballypatrick Stables.

Clem McMahon and Hilton Pacato (ISH) pictured with HSI Marketing Manager Sophie D’Alton following their second place finish in the opening round of the Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series at Barnadown in Co Wexford. Photo Laurence Dunne

Clem McMahon with Hilton Pacato (ISH) claimed runner-up spot with another clear in 33.84, while third place went to Francis Derwin (Jnr) with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH) with the only other double clear in 36.38.

Francis Derwin (Jnr) with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down (ISH). pictured with HSI Marketing Manager Sophie D’Alton following a third place finish in the HSI Premier Series at Barnadown. Photo Laurence Dunne

Daren Hopkins and Numero Cruise were the fastest of the four fault scores from the jump-off to finish fourth, while fifth place went to Greg Broderick and Gradje O, just ahead of Jason Foley and and MHS Jersey Girl who completed the top six.

The second leg of the Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series will take place at Portmore on May 23rd.

BREEDING

1st Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Je T’Aime Flamenco (BWP) out of Cruise Leaf (ISH)[TIH] by Cruising (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Noel Cawley, Co. Kildare. Owner Greg Broderick Ballypatrick Stables
2nd Hilton Pacato (ISH) – 2009 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Cavalier Lagan (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Peter Rice, Co. Monaghan. Owner: Hilton Farm. Rider: Clem McMahon (IRL)
3rd 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.