MAYO’s Alex Duffy won the three-star Grand Prix in Verbier, Switzerland, last Sunday, riding the 10-year-old gelding FTS Elliot.

Owned by Nicola FitzGibbon and Niall Talbot, with whom Alex is based with in Switzerland, Duffy was one of nine clear in the first round of the 1.55m Grand Prix, taking place against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

The combination were the only clear in the difficult jump-off round, winning the class in a time of 43.12 to secure the top prize of 15,000 CHF. Switzerland’s Anthony Bourquard slotted into second place with Tum Play Du Jouas (0/4 36.26), ahead of France’s Mathieu Laveau and Ulysse Condeen (0/4 39.17) in third place.

FTS Elliot, by Cicero Z Van Paemel, was produced in Ireland by FitzGibbon before going on to be ridden by Duffy at Talbot’s yard.

A native of Ballina, Duffy had also taken victory in Saturday’s night’s Six Bar competition. Riding Gerd KG, the combination cleared the third round of 1.95m, and with the rain pouring, three riders decided to share the top prize instead of jumping again.

The other winners were Swiss rider Marc Röthlisberger (Can Caipina) and Edwin Smits (Farezzo). The trio collected 1,800 CHF each.