KILKENNY’s Susan Fitzpatrick got her national campaign off to a strong start as she rode to victory in the opening round of The Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix at Galway Equestrian last Sunday. Riding her own Verdict de Kezeg, she lodged the winning clear in 35.42 seconds.

Fitzpatrick who had previously been out of action with a broken collar bone before lockdown, was delighted to have an early victory under her belt, saying: “I took over the ride from a Swiss friend of mine, Ines De Melo, who had to attend university and take a break from the horses. I’m incredibly grateful to the De Melo family for trusting me with this very talented horse.