Athlone's Derwin among the honours at prestigious Dublin Horse Show
Athlone's Francis Derwin contributed significantly to a successful opening day for Irish riders at the prestigious Gallagher Dublin Horse Show at the new Laya Arena at the RDS on Wednesday (August 5).
Derwin, from The Derries, Athlone secured the day’s opening international class of the week, getting proceedings underway in dream fashion in the Speed Stakes, sponsored by Heathman Farm. Derwin piloted his own 'Parvati AEG' to a comfortable victory over Max Wachman and 'Obora's Laura' (Coolmore Showjumping) by virtue of a clear in 54.21 seconds.
A total of 41 pairings were in the pocket for the 1.45m speed class, with Wachman setting the early standard as the seventh into the arena with his horse. They went clear in 56.40 and that was a mark that survived nine more combinations before Derwin arrived on his 11 year-old mare by Arezzo VDL.
It was evident from the outset that the Athlone native was dialled in and going very quickly, not just going another gear but turning on a sixpence and removing strides. None of it was a problem to 'Parvati AEG' and with all the jumps intact when they stopped the timers on 54.21, they had the lead.
The calibre of the round was emphasised, not just by the margin, but by the fact that with more than half the field still to enter the arena, Wachman’s time was not bettered and he garnered the silver medal, with Robin Lesqueren (France) and 'Galax Du Rouet' third.
“The mare is in great form,” said Derwin afterwards of Parvati.
“She won a 1.50 Grand Prix a week ago in Tattersalls. She jumped great today. I was delighted with her and it’s great to win the first class here, with the new stand. It was very cool.
"I thought today was quick enough. It wasn’t over fast. But you had to be neat everywhere and on the ball a bit, I thought, to be in the top couple. So, I am very happy to win obviously and very happy with the horse.”
Elsewhere for Ireland on the day, Derry's Jordan Coyle claimed a duo of wins, in the Sport Ireland Classic and the Laya Arena Stakes.