THERE were two Irish-bred horses on the podium in the $116,500 Molon Excavating Grand Prix at Traverse City, Michigan USA, on Saturday, albeit under American riders. Charlotte Jacobs (USA) won the class with the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Rincoola Milsean (Aldatus Z x Rincoola Abu by Cruising), bred by Harold McGahern in Co Longford, and Spencer Smith (USA) placed third with another 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, HHS Seattle (Pacino x HHS Chantilly Lace by Cavalier Royale), bred by Anne Hughes in Co Kilkenny. The pair were separated by Kent Farrington (USA) on Nikki Angel in second.

Jacobs stopped the clock in 36.75 seconds, with Farrington close behind in 36.98, while Smith was next best in 37.34.

Jacobs thinks highly of her horse, known as ‘Roy’ at home, and said afterwards: “This horse is incredible. He came back from an injury, and it’s been a year now since he returned to competition. To win this Grand Prix is very meaningful. It’s his first big win since being back. It’s exciting.”

The Traverse City Horse Shows Spring III three-star fixture was held in Michigan last week, with international classes running from Thursday until Sunday.

Ireland’s Kevin Gallagher got off to a good start in Thursday’s 1.40m speed class, when he placed sixth of 19 starters with Casanova SP. The pair then went on to finish seventh in the $31,100 Welcome Stakes, ahead of Jonathan Corrigan on Hunter Des Forets in eighth.