A dominant performance from Sligo’s Richard Howley saw him fill the top two places in today’s (Sunday) two-star Grand Prix at Valencia in Spain, taking victory with El Wee Widge and second place with Arlo de Blondel.

From the 39 starters, 16 made it through to the jump-off with no less than five of those representing Ireland. Howley was in stunning form, crossing the line clear in 34.44 seconds to win aboard the Michael Whitaker-owned gelding El Wee Widge. Another fast clear (35.16) with his own gelding Arlo de Blondel saw Howley grab another huge slice of the prize fund in second place. Kevin Gallagher was the next best Irish rider after he guided the Irish Sport Horse Ballypatrick Flamenco to sixth place.

Simpson and Fitzpatrick shine

Meanwhile at Vilamoura in Portugal, Derry’s David Simpson finished best of the Irish in the four-star Ashford Farm Grand Prix. Simpson partnered the Breen Equestrian & Quirke Sport Horses-owned Foudre F to an excellent runner-up finish to take home €19,000. French rider Titouan Schumacher took victory after a seven-horse jump-off with Atome Z, finishing less than a second ahead of Ireland’s Simpson.

At Royan in France, Kilkenny’s Susan Fitzpatrick and Verdict de Kezeg finished as runners-up in the two-star Grand Prix which was won by Tony Cadet (FRA) with Uppsale Del Cabalero.

Eventing

The Irish Sport Horse Brookfield Inocent, bred by John Mulvey in Co Wicklow, recorded an excellent runner-up finish at Pau CCI 5*-L in France. The final result proved once again why Irish Sport Horses are world leaders in eventing, with a magnificent seven Irish Sport Horses finishing inside the top 20.

BREEDING - CCI 5*-L Pau, France

2nd Brookfield Inocent (ISH) – 2009 gelding by Inocent (KWPN) out of Shalies Pet (ISH)[TIH] by Kings Servant (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: John Mulvey, Co. Wicklow. Owner: Alison Swinburn & John & Chloe Perry. Rider: Piggy March (GBR).

6th MHS King Joules (ISH) – 2005 gelding by Ghareeb (TB) out of Gowran Lady (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Ita Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Tom Joule. Rider: Oliver Townend (GBR).

9th Mermus R Diamonds [AKA Badger Hill Rosemerm, Badger Hill Mer Pendle] (ISH) – 2010 mare by Mermus R (KWPN) out of Pendle Watercolour (ISH)[TIH] by Colourfield (TB). Breeder: Gerry Higgins, Co. Galway. Owner and Rider: Richard Coney (GBR).

12th Grovine De Reve (ISH) – 2008 gelding by Hermes De Reve (SF) out of Erkina Jane (ISH)[TIH] by Rimilis (TB). Breeder: Paddy & Maria Raggett, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Therese Miller, Jo Preston-Hunt, Philip Hunt & Jonelle Price. Rider: Jonelle Price (NZL).

14th Ringwood Sky Boy (ISH) – 2003 gelding by Courage II (HOLST) out of Sky Lassie (ISH)[TIH] by Sky Boy (TB). Breeder: Myles Mahon, Co. Wexford. Owner: Varenna Allen, Tim Price & Robert Taylor. Rider: Tim Price (NZL).

15th Artful Trinity (ISH) – 2011 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of KEC Northern Star (ISH) by Glidawn Diamond (ID). Breeder: William Kennedy, Co. Kerry. Owner: Sara & Tom Strong. Rider: Isabelle (Izzy) Taylor (GBR).

18th Kananaskis (ISH) – 2008 gelding by Ustiinov (KWPN) out of New Years Sindy (ISH) by Taloubet VDL (KWPN). Breeder: Nroman Edgar Watt, Co. Tyrone. Owner and Rider: Richard Coney (GBR).

BREEDING - CSI2* GP Valencia, Spain

6th Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) 2010 gelding by Je T’Aime Flamenco (BWP) out of Cruise Leaf (ISH), by Cruising. Breeder: Dr Noel Cawley. Owner: Greg Broderick.

Source: Horse Sport Ireland press release