IRISH riders recorded an impressive string of results across Europe and the USA at the weekend, not least at Sentower Park in Belgium where Sligo’s Richard Howley led an Irish one-two in the feature two-star Grand Prix.

Howley partnered Arlo de Blondel to the winning round in the jump-off and finished a second and a half ahead of his Irish team mate Daragh Kenny in second with Chic Chic, while Sophie Slattery also finished seventh for Ireland with Valentine du Bois

Across the Atlantic, two Irish riders finished in the top five of Tryon’s three-star $137,000 Grand Prix in North Carolina, USA. Cork’s Shane Sweetnam slotted into fourth place with Chaqui Z just ahead of Limerick’s Paul O’Shea in fifth with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu. Victory went to former World No.1 Kent Farrington (USA) with Kaprice.

At Traverse City in Michigan, Kerry-born Capt Brian Cournane and the Bob Stiller-owned Penolope Cruz scored a runner-up finish in Sunday’s two-star Grand Prix, while Gavin Harley also took sixth place for Ireland with Very Chic Du Tillard. The competition was won by The Irish Sport Horse Luibanta BH, ridden by Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire.

Back in Europe, Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan was in action at San Giovanni in Italy and guided Brian Cassidy’s Guminka to fifth place in the two-star Grand Prix with a double clear round.

BREEDING

Luibanta BH (ISH) – 2008 mare by Luidam (KWPN) out of Mabanta (KWPN), by Abantos (KWPN). Breeder: Justin Burke, Co. Galway. Owner: David Gochman.