TIPPERARY’S Denis Lynch was certainly on fine form at the five-star Helsinki International Horse Show over the weekend, which hosted a leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. Following a win at Gothenburg the previous week, Lynch once again demonstrated his talent and consistency at the top level in Helsinki when claiming two five-star wins and a runner-up placing with Katja, as well as a podium finish with Vistogrand and a top-10 position in the Grand Prix with Chicago.

Friday saw Lynch ride the 11-year-old mare Katja (Etoulon x Otangelo) into the top spot in the five-star 1.45m two-phase class. From a start list of 33, there were 28 combinations who jumped clear in the first round, but five of those retired second time out. Of those who completed the course, 17 maintained their clean sheet, with time being the deciding factor. Lynch’s second phase time of 26.67 seconds proved unbeatable, with his nearest challenger Mans Thijssen (NED) on Nero Z finishing over two seconds behind in 28.81 in the runner-up position, while Kevin Staut (FRA) on Kannonqulan placed third in 29.12.