KILKENNY’s Richie Moloney recorded a podium finish in the in the $380,000 Rolex five-star Grand Prix at Tryon, North Carolina, USA, last Sunday. Riding the 14-year-old stallion Carrabis Z, the Irish rider took third place in what was an exciting three-way jump-off. Last to go, Moloney looked set to deliver a clear, but four faults at the last saw his hopes of a win dashed as he crossed the line in 35.63 seconds. Mexico’s Eugenio Garza took second place with with Bariano, clear in 35.91. Taking the win was America’s World No.1, Kent Farrington with Gazelle who lodged a clear in 34.67. Further down the line in ninth place was Cork’s Shane Sweetnam with Chaqui Z, four faults in 78.55.

Earlier in the week, Sweetnam took third place in the 1.45m $35,000 Power and Speed class when he delivered a double clear with Don’t Touch Du Bois in 33.28 seconds. The class was won by Santiago Lambre and Casino who stopped the clock in 31.95. In the $35,000 Horseware Ireland Jumper Classic, Sweetnam was the best of the Irish when finishing in seventh place. Riding Don’t Touch Du Bois, he delivered a double clear in 45.106.