KILKENNY’S Richie Moloney got Ireland’s winning weekend run underway last Friday, with a speed class victory at the four-star show in Palm Beach, Florida.

Riding Equinimity LLC’s gelding Alsvid, Moloney crossed the finish line clear in 62.28 seconds, pushing American rider Ali Wolff and Artemis into second, while another American, Kent Farrington and Blue Angel, had to settle for third.

World No.2 Farrington had held the lead before Moloney shaved over a second off his time, while Ireland’s Conor Swail slotted into fourth place with Susan and Ariel Grange’s nine year-old mare Cita.

“It was a full 1.45m class, and the first four jumps really made you open up. That’s where you could make up some of the time, which is where I think we did,” said Moloney. “I took a bit of a chance to the last two fences on course and did probably one less than most people, and I think that is what earned us the win.”

This latest victory marked the duo’s fifth international win this year and third speed class triumph.

“He really enjoys these speed classes because he naturally wants to go forward so you just let him go and steady him a bit at the jumps, but try not get in the way,” Moloney remarked. “It’s nice to start off the season here with a win and we will be back here in February for some of the big FEI classes during circuit.”

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam also featured in the prizes at Palm Beach. He finished second in last Thursday’s 1.45m class with with Cantero de Lagoa, while he also filled third place with USA D’Horset. Sweetnam went on to record a win in last Friday’s 1.45m class with Cantero De Lagoa and took fourth spot with USA D’Horset.