IRISH horses and riders have got off to a flying start in this weekend’s show jumping action across Europe, scoring four wins and a number of top 10 placings.

Wexford’s Bertram Allen finished in joint first place in the 1m45 two phase class at St Moritz in Switzerland, where unusually three riders finished on exactly the same time. Allen stopped the clock clear in 27.44 seconds with the eight-year-old gelding Izzy By Picobello – exactly the same time as Switzerland’s Jane Richard Philips riding Pablo de Virton and Jerome Hurel (FRA) with Urano.

Kilkenny’s Marion Hughes added another win to Ireland’s tally at the four-star French show at Valence. Hughes and the Irish Sport Horse, Heritage HHS Fortuna, scorched to victory in the 1m45 speed class, while fellow Irish rider Shane Breen slotted into seventh place with Market Irminka. Limerick-born Shane Carey scored Ireland’s third win of the day when he partnered Contenance to victory in the three-star 1m40 class at Ciekocinko in Poland.

The Irish Sport Horse Limestone Grey added a stunning win in the feature five-star 1m55 jump-off class at St Moritiz in Switzerland with Italian rider Lorenzo De Luca. A brilliant jump-off clear round from the 10-year-old gelding, who was bred in Co Limerick by David Moran, saw them finish with well over two seconds to spare over their nearest rivals.

Riders in green jackets also scored a number of top 10 placings at shows throughout Europe, including Cameron Hanley and Jack Dodd at Muenster in Germany, while Michael Duffy and Anthony Condon featured in the prizes at the five-star Spanish show in Gijon.

Ireland will be in Nations Cup action at Gijon on Saturday, with Robert Splaine having announced his four-man team on Friday evening. Cian O'Connor (Callisto), Anthony Condon (Aristio), Conor Swail (Hetman Of Colors) and Billy Twomey (Diaghilev), have been drawn second to go of the 12 teams taking part.

Back in Ireland, Millstreet International Horse Trials continue over the weekend at the Green Glens arena, with the cross country action taking place at the picturesque Drishane Castle.

ISH Breeding details:

  • Limestone Grey (ISH) – 2006 gelding by Try Time (KWPN) out of Millpark’s Courageous Lady (ISH). Breeder: David Moran, Co. Limerick. Owner: Stephex Stables. Rider: Lorenzo De Luca (ITA)
  • Heritage HHS Fortuna (ISH) – 2001 mare by Heritage Fortunus (HANN) out of Dreaming Of U (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred by Thomas A Hughes, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Marion Hughes; Team Z7.