IRISH riders were in the ribbons at the three-star Grand Prix in Munich with three riders finishing in the top 10 in the 1.60m Grand Prix.

Best of the Irish contingent was Tipperary’s Denis Lynch who was riding his new mount, Quote Zavaan. Lynch was just pipped at the post when crossing the line just under two seconds off the pace of British winner John Whitaker and Argento.

From a start list of 48 combinations, 12 booked their place in timed-round and off these, just three delivered double clears. Going early in the jump-off Sweden’s Christina Liebherr set the pace with L.B. Midship du Borda when she recorded a clear in 49.43 seconds.

The lead changed hands as Denis Lynch’s clever riding aboard Quote Zavaan saw him deliver a clear in 41.99. Things didn’t quite go according to plan for Thomas Ryan and Caribo as they faulted twice but their time of 44.08 proved good enough for 10th. Next of the Irish to take it on was Shane Breen and GoldenHawk, a single error in 45.32 saw Breen slot into eventual sixth.

Using his late draw to his advantage, John Whitaker crossed the line in 40.47 with Argento to take the winners’ share of the prize money. This was the third time John Whitaker claimed the Grand Prix win at Munich.

Fastest of the four- faulters in 42.53 was Felix Hassmann and Horse Gym’s Balzaci for eventual fourth, while Werner Muff and Pollendr slotted into fifth, carrying four faults in 44.21.

Earlier in the week, Shane Breen finished seventh in the 1.50m with Golden Hawk when they recorded eight faults in 44.30 seconds. Taking the honours was Felix Haßmann and Horse Gym’s Balzai, clear in 41.14.