ATHLONE’S Francis Derwin finished a close second in the $120,000 three-star 1.50m Grand Prix at Ocala, Florida on Saturday, when he rode the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Flexi K (Flex A Bill x Deeply Dippy K by Luidam), bred by Knightfield Stud, to a double clear round in a jump-off time of 37.04 seconds. American winner Carlee McCutcheon and Aralyn Blue stopped the clock a mere 0.11 seconds faster (36.93) to claim the top spot and the $36,000 first prize.

Derwin claimed $24,000 for second place, while New Zealand’s Sharn L Wordley on Brin D’Or De Haute Melen Z completed the podium with the third (and only other) double clear for $18,000. The Irish performed well in the class, with Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay placing fifth and Derry’s Daniel Coyle on Farrel finishing eighth.