JUST one hundredth of a second denied Ireland’s Denis Lynch victory in the five-star €300,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the majestic setting of the Grand Ecurie du Roi at the Château de Versailles, France, last weekend.

Riding Royne Zetterman’s 13-year-old gelding Echo De Laubry, the Tipperary man crossed the line in 35.20 seconds. Twelve combinations of the 39 starters jumped clear in the opening round. Second to go against the clock, Japan’s Karen Polle with her horse With Wings set the target when they delivered a clear in 35.58 seconds.