CORK’S Shane Sweetnam proved best of the 45 starters in the three-star $120,000 Grand Prix at Wellington International last Sunday, when he and the nine-year old Belgian Warmblood gelding Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z jumped double clear with the fastest jump-off time of 44.5 to take the win and the top prize of $39,600. Runner-up Rupert Carl Winkelmann (GER) on Imodo was a close second in 44.65, with the third place on the podium being filled by Natalie Dean (USA) on Con Calma (46.86). Clare’s David Blake rounded out the top 10 with Conblue.

This win is the first Grand Prix top spot this year for Sweetnam, who has had a series of runner-up finishes.

“My year has been about seconds. He was second in Devon (PA) and he was second in Aachen (Germany),” Sweetnam said of his mount, while he had also missed out on first placings at Tryon, Traverse City and the Hampton Classic with the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, James Kann Kruz.

“It’s actually my first Grand Prix win this year, so it’s nice to get it over the line,” the 44-year-old concluded.

On Thursday, Clare’s Philip McGuane took the win in the 47-strong three-star $32,000 1.45m power and speed class, riding My Lady Van De Krekel to a double clear round in an unbeatable round two time of 36.3 to claim the $10,560 first prize. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) on Bull Run’s Celestial was a close second in 36.41, with Nayel Nassar (EGY) completing the podium in third with Dorado de Riverland (37.41). Ireland’s David Blake placed eighth in the class with Fayuri (38.66).