Thrilling Studbook Series successes for McConnell and Murphy

The winners of the 2022 HSI Studbook Series leagues have set their sights on the FEI/WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken.

Derek McConnell and Brendan Murphy were confirmed as winners of the Series leagues at Tattersalls on Sunday and are now hopeful of being named on new team manager Jack Doyle’s squad.

McConnell and Inlaws Manolo (ISH) were a model of consistency throughout the Series and had the overall seven-year-old prize wrapped up before Sunday’s final leg with a 16 points cushion heading into Tattersalls.

It was Abbie Sweetnam’s day in the final leg as she secured the winner’s prize on board Pinaki Van Den Dael I (BWP) after a thrilling jump off.

The Kildareman said: “He won two of the legs, and none of these legs are easy to win. He was second in another and third too, as well as picking up minor placings so he deserves to be top of the placings.

Abbie Sweetnam and Pinaki Van Den Dael I with HSI’s Ian Gaughran. Pic: Laurence Dunne

“He’s been to Lanaken before but there’s still a bit to go before he’s selected for Lanaken. He’ll probably do one more show before Dublin and then Dublin itself.

“Hopefully he’ll go well there but it’s a difficult class with strong Irish and foreign riders and combinations. But he’s jumping very well so I’m hopeful.”

The future is bright for Inlaws Manolo, and McConnell is hopeful of further progression with another year under his belt.

“He’s by Corland (Holst) out of a Lord Z (Holst) mare and was bred by Thomas Hester, who I’m delighted to say has made a few extra quid out me today with the breeders’ prizes on offer.

Molly Hughes Bravo with HHS Mercedes (ISH) with HSI’s Ian Gaughran and coverage sponsor Redmond Property Maintenance’s Mark Redmond after winning the Studbook Series five-year-old final

“We’re hopeful of doing national grand prix with him and premier grand prix, as well as jumping him internationally, and ultimately his owner Tom Hennessy will get a good price for him.”

It was a more anxious morning for Wexford’s Brendan Murphy in the five- and six-year-old classes as ABS Misty (ISH) and Shirshkeen Calensky (ISH) both held narrow advantages.

Tholm Keane and Krafty Krackers (ISH) were hot on Murphy’s heels in the five-year-old class and went double clear in the first round of the final before Murphy held his nerve to do the same and secure league victory.

Molly Hughes Bravo and HHS Mercedes (ISH) took the honours on the day after a stunning round in the jump-off to win in 29.27 seconds, over a second clear of Harry Wood and Mendoza VDL (KWPN).

“It was quite nerve-wracking,” said Murphy. “It was quite tight at the top of both the tables so was never going to be an easy win so I needed to make sure I did what Tholm did.

Brendan Murphy and ABS Misty, winner of the HSI Studbook Series five-year-old league with Mark Redmond, MD of Redmond Property Maintenance and HSI Acting Marketing Manager Ian Gaughran. photo: Laurence Dunne

“Tholm was before me in the five-year-old class and I knew then that I had to go clear – thankfully she did and we secured the win.”

The six-year-old finish was an altogether different story as Shirshkeen Calensky put in an uncharacteristic performance, leaving things out of Murphy’s hands.

Keane and DSH Lucky Junior (ISH) couldn’t capitalise, however, with four faults, and it was Ethen Ahearne and LVS Goldrush (ISH) who won after a jump off, to finish second in the overall league table.

“We just had sit back and watch after our first round and hope that Tholm maybe had a pole and luckily, for me, he did. It was hard viewing though, going right to the wire,” Murphy added.

“Hopefully now both of them can go to Dublin and do well – we’ll be hoping to be in the picture for Lanaken, that’s the aim anyway. It would be brilliant to get there and they’ve certainly done everything they can through the league anyway.”

Ethen Ahearne and LVS Goldrush (ISH) with HSI’s Ian Gaughran and Mark Redmond of Redmond Property Maintenance. Photo: Laurence Dunne

The final league tables for the HSI Studbook Series seven-year-old class can be viewed HERE

The final league tables for the HSI Studbook Series six-year-old class can be viewed HERE

The final league tables for the HSI Studbook Series five-year-old class can be viewed HERE