CORK show jumper Shane Sweetnam galloped to victory in the $130,000 CP Grand Prix at the four-star National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday night aboard Chaqui Z.

First to go in the 11 horse jump-off over Michel Vaillancourt’s shortened track, Sweetnam lead from the start with the Spy Coast Farm-owned 10-year-old stallion, posting the fastest double clear round in 38.13 seconds.

Speaking after the class, Sweetnam said: “I was pretty tight everywhere. I wasn’t galloping fast or taking big risks. So when I came out of the ring, I thought maybe top four or something like that but everything seemed to work out. Today was my day.

“Chaqui Z’s a great stallion. We haven’t competed much together, but we’ve always been consistent. It’s great to win a class like this,” he added.

The Irish Sport Horse Dougie Douglas, ridden by America’s Katie Dinan, finished in third place with a quick clear in 40.74 seconds when last to go in the jump-off.

Kilkenny’s Richie Moloney, aboard Equinimity LLC’s Carrabis Z, posted an early time of 46.57 seconds for sixth place.

Earlier in the week Moloney was victorious in the opening $35,000 Welcome Speed class at the four-star venue. Riding the Irish Sport Horse Slieveanorra, who is also owned by Equinimity LLC, Moloney outpaced America’s Jessica Springsteen to take the winner’s prize.

Just 12 combinations managed a clean sheet in the speed class. Springsteen lead from early on aboard Davendy S but eventually had to settle for second place.

Moloney has had the ride on the 14-year-old gelding, bred by Ronnie Hollinger from Co Monaghan, for five years, and has picked up multiple Grand Prix wins throughout their career. He was previously ridden by Richie’s brother Eddie on the national circuit in Ireland.

Sweetnam slotted into fifth place with Siboney Ranch’s Cornwall with a clear round in 64.26 seconds.

The $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier, which is a leg of the North American League takes place in Lexington tonight.