ALTHOUGH Ireland’s only long format win came at the close of play on Sunday afternoon, there was huge applause for Patrick Whelan who, in the final moments, landed the EPS Group CCI1* aboard Killossery Karisma.

Whelan had climbed steadily up the leaderboard from an opening fourth place (29.7) and jumped a confident clear round to put pressure on the overnight leaders Sophie Brown and SBE Gtafensbrook.