LOUTH’S Mark McAuley rode the 13-year-old l’Arc En Ciel Z to victory in the two-star 1.45m Grand Prix at the Spring Tour 2 fixture at Gassin St Tropez in France last week, which saw international classes take place from Thursday until Sunday.

From 43 starters, there were a perfect 10 clear first rounds, ensuring a competitive jump-off. Six combinations managed to remain fault-free throughout, with McAuley posting the fastest time of 37.66 seconds to secure the win. The runner-up position went to Bryan Balsiger (SUI) on Castiel in 38.02, with Emma Sophia Spanko (CZE) on Duo du RU completing the podium in third (38.85). Daniel McAlinden and the Irish Sport Horse gelding Philly Fogarty (Aganix du Seigneur x Harlequin du Carel), bred by Michael Griffin, just missed out on a place in the jump-off after picking up a single time penalty in round one, putting them in 11th place at the finish.

McAuley had got off the mark in Friday’s two-star Small Tour 1.30m class when placing sixth with Unbelievable HZ with a clear round in 70.25.

On Saturday, McAlinden rode Amigo H into third place in the one-star Big Tour 1.30m class, from a start list of 23.