Two-star win for Howley

SLIGO’S Richard Howley led the victory lap in last Friday’s two-star Grand Prix qualifier in Oliva, Spain. Riding Arlo de Blondel, he was the fastest of 33 double clear rounds in the two-phase class, which saw 87 start. His time of 28.30 seconds earned him €6,375 and beat Franchman Harold Boisset into second place. Howley also kept all the poles in place with his second mount, El Wee Widge, in 30.64 for eighth place.

Howley later went on to take the runner-up place with Chinook in the one-star 1.40m Grand Prix. The pair were one of seven double clear rounds in 40.72, just a fraction slower than the winner, Germany’s Richard Vogel and Stardust Degli Assi (40.31). Dermott Lennon was also in the ribbons on Friday, taking third in the 1.40m with Fanta M when one of 10 double clears in 62.20.

Lynch second in St Tropez

DENIS Lynch secured a runner-up place in last Saturday’s two-star 1.40m in St Tropez, France. Riding the Romilly Simmons-owned 11-year-old stallion In The Air, he recorded a clear in 34.93. Lynch was pipped at the post by Dayro Arroyave and Baccarat Fontaine, who clocked 34.18.