IRISH riders featured strongly at the three-star show at Vilamoura, Portugal with Alexander Butler and the Irish-bred Hallowberry Cruz going close in the highly competitive Grand Prix, enjoying a top five finish.

Butler was best of the Irish in the 1.45m Grand Prix, partnering Wicklow couple Paul and Caroline Byrne’s talented homebred stallion Hallowberry Cruz (ISH)(TIH) to a fourth place finish when clear in 45.26. Butler picked up €4,000 for his efforts. From the 46 starters, just five combination delivered double clears.