GERMANY’s David Will and Cento Du Rouet took their first career win at Tryon International when winning the $35,000 Horseware Ireland 1.45m Opener at the North Carolina venue on Wednesday, chased all the way by Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and Cornwall who were second in a tight contest.

Will crossed through the timers in 63.12 seconds with the Centin Gungor-owned Cento (Chintan x Balou Du Rouet), while Sweetnam was just fractionally behind in 63.86. Will also accounted for third place with Monodie H, owned by Dietmar Gugler, in 64.47 over a course set by Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt.

The partnership with Cento has been fruitful for Will, who took over the ride on the 2007 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding in early spring. The pair have amassed seven top 10 finishes at the FEI level in Europe so far this year.

“Cento is a real fighter. He always wants to work. He really enjoys it and hates it when he has to stay in the stall. He is always very excited to go in the ring and do his job well,” added Will.