IRISH riders dominated Sunday's two-star Grand Prix at Oliva in Spain, filling three of the top four places. Niall Talbot and the 12-year-old gelding Caracter scored a hard-fought victory, coming out on top after a hugely competitive 18 horse jump-off.

Talbot, who is originally from Kildare and now based in Switzerland, stopped the clock clear in 37.06 seconds in the second round to take the winners prize of €7,500 with Caracter, who is owned by Jean-Claude Engisch.

Derry-born David Simpson finished in runner-up spot with the Elm Rock-owned Chessy, half a second behind Talbot’s winning time, while Tipperary’s Thomas Ryan finished fourth with Quite Zero. Waterford’s Anthony Condon also finished inside the top 10, coming home in eighth place with Balzac.

At another Spanish show in Mijas, Sligo’s Richard Howley finished as runner-up in the two-star Grand Prix with Chinook. Kilkenny’s Marion Hughes took sixth place with Laith, while Waterford’s Francis Connors finished in 10th place with Theoreme Du Desir.