SLIGO’S Richard Howley got off to a good start in Bonheiden, Belgium, last weekend when he claimed victory in the two-star 1.45m on Thursday.

Riding his own and Sarah Borthwick’s 11-year-old gelding Arlo de Blondel, he delivered the fastest of 32 clear rounds from a 55-strong startlist, in a time of 56.91 seconds to earn just over €6,000. Further down the line in fifth place was Galway’s Jessica Burke and African Affair, who also put in a foot-perfect round in 61.02.