Show Jumping - Kerrygold Grand Prix League - O'Brien Takes Victory At Cavan

HARRY MARSHALL did not make his expected challenge to the Top Six in the Kerrygold Grand Prix leaderboard at Cavan today (Sunday), but left the honours instead to Army rider Lt. David O'Brien, who followed his recent Galway Grand Prix win with another First on the Minister for Defence's 14 yr old bay gelding <Carraig Dubh>.

This victory now leapfrogs Athlone-born O'Brien over Army team-mate Lt. Shane Carey in the Kerrygold rankings. After his win, Lt. O'Brien said: <I am absolutely delighted with my horse's performance here today. Galway last week and now Cavan today shows in what good form he is at the moment. It's been a terrific day.>

A Sixth for James Kernan on <Out of Touch> further consolidated his No.1 position in the Grand Prix League, with his score now standing at 40 points, four clear of Andrew Dunlop. Former league leader Clem McMahon holds onto his third place on 35 points, but after today's win, Lt. David O'Brien is now just half a point behind him.

RESULT: Cavan Equestrian Centre 3000 Euro GRAND PRIX
CAVAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, CAVAN, SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2003

1) CARRAIG DUBH (Owner Minister for Defence); Lt. David O'Brien Faults 0/0 Time 29.53
2) CAVALEVE (Owner Linda Courtney); Linda Courtney Faults 0/0 Time 31.81
3) ATHLETICO 26 (Owner Ronan Clarke); Ronan Clarke Faults 0/0 Time 33.40
4) COLLINS 5 (Owner Jane Dillon); Taylor Vard Faults 0/0 Time 35.29
5) LARAGHALEASE WESTERN DESERT (Owner Robert Hancock); Stephen Smith Faults 0/0 Time 38.55
6) OUT OF TOUCH (Owner James Kernan); James Kernan Faults 0/4 Time 31.11

43 starters, 12 riders through to jump-off

KERRYGOLD GRAND PRIX Rankings after Cavan Equestrian Centre 3000 Euro GRAND PRIX
CAVAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, CAVAN,

1) James Kernan 40 points
2) Andrew Dunlop 36 points
3) Clem McMahon 35 points
4) Lt. David O'Brien 34.5 points
5) Lt. Shane Carey 29 points
6) Peter Smyth 27 points

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