RICHARD Howley hasn’t gone one week over the spring circuit without an international win and that was no different last week when he won a three-star 1.50m at Vittel in France.

Riding the nine-year-old chesnut mare Electra B (Arezzo VDL x Paladin des Ifs), who is a relatively new mount for the British-based Sligo man, Howley was the quickest of four double clears in the nine-horse jump-off when breaking the beam in 43.74 seconds to collect €6,250.

Howley was also in the ribbons aboard the six-year-old Hamilton (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Murkas Rubert R), with a clear round in Thursday’s one-star class in a time of 81.53 seconds.

That combination placed third in Saturday’s six-year-old final when they had the quickest time (39.25) but lowered one fence in the jump-off. Frenchman Jerome Hurel was the fastest of two double clear rounds with take victory.

ARMY MOUNT

Captain Geoff Curran was also in action at the three-star show and was picking up his first placing with new mount Hallowberry Cruz.

The 12-year-old traditionally-bred Irish Sport Horse stallion has been leased by the Minister for Defence from breeder Caroline Byrne.

Produced by Alexander Butler, he went to Shane Breen for a short period towards the middle of 2017 and made his debut under Captain Curran in Moorsele two weeks ago.

The combination were third in Sunday’s 1.45m Table A with one of 10 clear rounds in a time of 69.18 to pick up €3,700. Victory went to France’s Guillaume Liccardo with Theodeme For History (0/ 67.71).

Curran was sixth in Saturday’s seven-year-old 1.35m jump-off.

Riding the Irish Sport Horse MHS Gabhran (VDL Cardento x Diamant de Semilly), Curran produced a double clear in 42.09 seconds.