AN all-Irish cast saw the New York Empire team claiming first place in the Global Champions League Team competition in Rome on Saturday.

The first GCL team competition of the day, a 1.60m speed class, saw New York Empire taking the lead, when first-round riders Denis Lynch on the 11-year-old skewbald gelding Ping Pong van de Lentamel and Michael Pender on his home-bred Irish Sport Horse Madgeslane Louis (Luidam x Madges Lane Karol by Obos Quality 004, bred by Michael Pender) both recorded clear rounds. With the only zero score, New York Empire went into first place, with Pender and Lynch going into 10th and 11th places respectively as individuals.