IRELAND’S Cian O’Connor came out on top in yesterday evening’s (Sunday) two-star Ashford Farm-sponsored Grand Prix at Sentower Park in Belgium, where Irish riders were in superb form filling three of the top five places.

O’Connor was riding the Ronocco Jump-owned 10-year-old gelding Lazzaro delle Schiave, with victory coming after a 16-horse jump-off. The London Olympic Bronze medallist stopped the clock clear in 40.72 seconds which was the fastest of nine double clear rounds. The gelding joined O’Connor string from Italy’s Massimo Grossato in November.

Mikey Pender took fourth place for Ireland with Bravo Hughes’ Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais (Cavalier Royale x O.B.O.S. Quality 004), bred by the late Ita Brennan, just ahead of Jenny Rankin in fifth with Team Harmony Management Co’s Quentin PJ.

Salzburg

Meanwhile at Salzburg four-star show in Austria, Tipperary’s Shane Breen recorded two runner-up finishes. He guided the Carmel Ryan-owned Compelling Z to second spot in the 1.55m, while he also took second spot in a 1.50m with Evita.

Full international reports in Saturday’s The Irish Field.

Source: Horse Sport Ireland press release