KILKENNY’S Susan Fitzpatrick finished second in the 1.45m two-star Grand Prix in Royan, France, last Sunday aboard her top mount, Verdict De Kezeg.

Fitzpatrick was the sole Irish representative at the six-day show. One of 45 starters in the Grand Prix, she booked her place in the 12-way jump-off with a first round clear and, against the clock, posted one of seven double clears in a time of 39.06 seconds to earn just over €5,000.

Victory went to French rider Edouard Mathe and Alcazar Sitte who were just fractions faster in 38.80

The 11-year-old gelding Verdict De Kezeg, by Diamant de Semilly, is owned by Switzerland’s Isabelle de Melo and joined Susan’s string in late 2019.

The pair have multiple Grand Prix wins on the national circuit to their name and, last December, he finished fifth in the four-star Liverpool Grand Prix under Mikey Pender as Susan was sidelined with an injury.

Fitzpatrick also took the runner-up place in Saturday’s 1.35m six-year-old old final with Barbara Allen’s home-bred Irish Sport Horse mare Laska (Cardento x Cruising).

The combination were one of just three double clears in 38.98 seconds. Winner of the class was Edouard Mathe and Exquis De Vizy.

Susan also guided her mother Sharon’s home-bred nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Keatingstown Z Wellie Two (by Z Wellie 72) to fifth place in Saturday’s 1.40m two-phase class.