TIPPERARY’S Denis Lynch got off to a promising start at the five-star Longines FEI Jumping World Cup fixture in Leipzig, Germany (January 15th - 18th), when he was a close runner-up in Thursday’s five-star 1.45m Opening speed competition. Lynch jumped a clear round on board the 10-year-old gelding Zensation 2 (VDL Zirocco Blue x Clarimo) in a time of 57.50, when fourth into the arena. Germany’s Marvin Jüngel and Helene 50 bettered that by just half a second to win the class in 57.00. There were 52 on the start list, 18 of whom jumped clear within the allocated time.

There were a number of Irish competitors at the show, including Antrim’s Arielle Allen, who rode Kandice Z into 10th place in Thursday’s 1.40m Large Tour Amateur Trophy speed class.