WHILE they didn’t claim the top spot this time round, Irish riders took two podium places and three of the top four in Sunday’s four-star $225,000 Empire State Grand Prix at Old Salem Farm in New York. In a class of 28, Clare’s Philip McGuane rode Orphea HQ into the runner-up position to win $45,000, closely followed by Derry’s Jordan Coyle on Jorisca in third ($33,750). Offaly’s Darragh Kenny on Diaroubet finished just off the podium in fourth to secure $22,500.

McLain Ward was unbeatable with Callas and took home the very generous top prize of $74,250.