John Floody wins the Opening round of the GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League
The 2014 GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League got underway at Ravendale Lodge in Co. Louth as part of their 3 day MSL Mercedes-Benz Autumn Grand Prix Weekend Show.
The 1.40m MSL Mercedes-Benz Autumn Grand Prix was the feature class on Sunday and carried a prize fund of €3000.  30 Riders took on the course built by Senior National Course Builder Ray Buchanan.
Meath’s John Floody recorded the first clear of the day and was joined by five others for the second round. Shenick, a bay gelding by Lux Z took the class in style, John Floody taking every tight turn from the start to claim the victory. At just 7 this horse looks and exciting prospect for the future, he was 2nd in the Irish Studbook Showjumping Series earlier this year.
The 10 year old Dutch stallion Zuidam, by Guidam, ridden by young rider Daniel Coyle took the runner up spot and fellow young rider Sophie Dalm with the 12 year old Vaillant S, a gelding by Heartbreaker, took third.
Alexander Butler, who claimed last year’s title is currently competing in Arezzo so was unavailable to begin his title defence.
This year, nine venues in total will take part in the league which is jointly sponsored by GAIN Horse Feeds and Alltech for the fourth year in succession. The GAIN/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League goes next to Cavan Equestrian Centre on Sunday 27th September.
