CHRISTMAS came early for Tipperary native Shane Breen when he won the Christmas Masters at London Olympia on the final day of the spectacular show today (Sunday) with his nine-year-old Holsteiner stallion Clyde VA (by Caretino).

The pair were faultless in a winning time of 27.25 seconds to claim the winner's prize of €9,500 from Holland's Maikel van der Vleuten and Dana Blue, a 10-year-old grey mare (KWNP) by Mr Blue, who posted four faults in 25.83secs, followed by Holland's Doron Kuipers in third on Homer de Muze (four faults), an 11-year-old bay BWP stallion by Nabab de Reve.

Ireland's Darragh Kenny and Carlson (10-year-old bay Contendro I gelding) shared fourth place with Britain's John Whitaker and Madinah, (a 10-year-old bay KWPN mare by Canturo), with four faults apiece.

Earlier, The Turkish Airlines Speed Stakes was won by the supremely speedy Luca Maria Moneta while the feature Turkish Airlines Olympia Grand Prix was won by Italy's Alberto Zorzi and the black 10-year-old Arc de Triomphe mare Ulane de Coquerie, taking home €31,250 from Maikel van der Vleuten and Idi Utopia in second and Portugal's Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and GC Chopin's Bushi in third.

Best of the Irish was Offaly's Darragh Kenny with the 11-year-bay gelding Cassini Z (by Cassini II) who were seventh, earning €5,000 for their top 10 placing.

BANKS TIMBER WIN

Meanwhile, well known on Irish soil, the beautiful Connemara Pony stallion Banks Timber, won the Supreme Champion in the BSPS Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championship at London Olympia, sponsored by LeMieux.