IRISH Sport Horses filled the top four places in the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby in the UK.

Victory went to the Irish Sport Horse Golvers Hill (ISH), bred by Patrick Lynch from Co. Galway and ridden by Britain’s Nigel Coupe. They were one of just two combinations who jumped clear over the demanding Hickstead first round course and came out on top after a jump-off against Harriet Nuttall (GBR) and A Touch Imperious (ISH).

Co Down’s Dermott Lennon with Gelvins Touch (ISH) and Cork’s Billy Twomey (Diaghilev) were the highest placed Irish riders, sharing third place on four faults with Holly Smith (GBR) and the Irish-bred Quality Old Joker.

Sligo’s Richard Howley also finished in the prizes, taking seventh place with Chinook on an eight-fault score.

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ISH BREEDING:

1st Golvers Hill (ISH) – 2003 gelding by Ricardo Z (ZANG) out of Hill of Clover (RID), by Clover Hill (ID).

Breeder: Patrick Lynch, Co. Galway. Owner: Susan Simmons. Rider: Nigel Coupe (GBR)

2nd A Touch Imperious (ISH) – 2004 gelding by Touchdown (ISH) out of Cavimperius (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST).

Bred by Leo Rice, Co. Monaghan. Owner: Rupert Nuttall. Rider Hariet Nuttall (GBR)

=3rd Quality Old Joker (ISH) – 2008 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Little Joker (WNTR), by Slyguff Joker VII (WNTR).

Breeder: Roberta Dowley, Co. Kilkenny. Owner/Rider: Holly Smith (GBR)

=3rd Gelvins Touch (ISH) – 2006 grey gelding by Touchdown (ISH) out of Whitestown Diamond (ISH), by Diamond Lad (ID).

Bred by John McCann, Co. Roscommon. Owner: Victoria Loane. Rider: Dermott Lennon (IRL)