Round 11 will see 36 combinations battle it out in the €2,000 sponsored class, with this  round also playing host to the ISH Studbook series.

With little separating riders at the top end of the leaderboard, they will be out in force to collect points. Top of the leaderboard at present with Crystal Tom (28 pts), Jonathan Corrigan has declared Crystal Tom, Carrick Kilderrys Diamond and Charlton Clio.

Lying second in the standings, Kildare rider Derek Mc Connell will also be looking to move up the board and he has declared his winning from Balmoral, Dothraki Warlord. This pairing trails Corrigan by just four points.

Last week’s Horse Sport Premier Series winner, Kate Derwin, is on the list and she will take on the Tom Holden designed course with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down, Deep Pockets and Luidam De La Cruise.

This round sees a host of young riders on the start-list, including Frances Derwin, Annabelle Heffron, Molly Hughes Bravo, John McEntee, Mark Finnerty, Robyn Fagan, Maura Counihan Jnr and Mackenzie Healy.

Not short of experience, Clem Mc Mahon and Peter Smyth will also be looking to claim their first win in the series.

Another rider on home soil and winner of the Ulster Grand Prix at the round at Portmore is Luke Campbell and he will take it on with Derryinver Truffle.

One to watch is John Floody and he too has maximised his changes, declaring Accidental Diamond, Ballyknock Diamond and Donevan Erkindale.

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Derwin, the European Champion at U18 level in 2019, clinched victory at Balmoral after a brilliant jump-off display which saw her cross the line clear in 39.84 seconds. Second place went to another 2019 Hickstead Derby-winning rider Mikey Pender and The Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais (ISH), as the combination also went clear in 41.32 second. Capt Geoff Curran of the Defence Forces finished third with the Irish Sport Horse, Glengarra Wood, having jumped clear in 42.39 seconds.

Jenny Rankin and Entertainer were fourth; Kate Derwin also took fifth place with another double clear aboard Deep Pockets, while Tim MacDonagh completed the top six with Hollypark Galloway.

The final round of the Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series takes place at Portmore in Co Antrim on September 6th with Kilkenny’s Ger O’Neill still out in front as league leader with MHS High Hopes.

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