ROBERT Blanchette fared best of the Irish in the 73-strong $62,500 Grand Prix qualifier at week two of the Spring Series at Wellington International in Florida on Friday.

Four Irish riders were among the top 12 who had proceeded to the jump-off. Blanchette on Chardonnay were best of these, when they placed third with a double clear in 45.76 seconds – just a second behind the class winner Kent Farrington (USA) on Myla (44.76), who was followed by Marilyn Little on La Contessa in second (45.45).