Tipperary’s Greg Broderick wins opening round of TRM/Horse Sport Ireland New Heights Champions Series at The Meadows

Reigning champion Greg Broderick got his defence of the TRM/Horse Sport Ireland new Heights Champions series off to the perfect start, with victory in the opening round of the 2018 series today (Sunday) at The Meadows Equestrian Centre in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Ten combinations made it through to the second round from a strong start list of 48, with just Broderick and Ciaran Nallon managing to jump double clear at the finish. Riding the Mary Ellen De Ruschi-owned 10-year-old gelding Duco (Vigaro x Calvados), Rio Olympian Broderick crossed the line in 47.69 seconds to finish over half-a-second ahead of Ciaran Nallon in second with Arkino Z (48.33).

Former World Champion Dermott Lennon took third place with the fastest four fault round (43.75) aboard Gelvins Touch, while Kenneth Graham finished fourth with George. Army rider Capt. Geoff Curran finished fifth with Shannondale Rahona, while 2017 European Pony team gold medallist Kate Derwin, completed the top six with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down.

The second round of the TRM/Horse Sport Ireland New Heights Champions Series takes place next Sunday in Portmore.