NUMEROUS Irish competitors attended the three-star Southern Arches show, held on the second week of the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International in Florida (January 13th to 18th). The best result came from Clare’s Philip McGuane, who finished as runner-up in Sunday’s three-star $140,000 Southern Arches Grand Prix.

McGuane rode the 11-year-old mare Paso Doble SCF to a double clear round in 45.13 seconds, only being beaten by Peter Lutz (USA) on Katriona, who stopped the clock in 43.69 to claim the $42,000 first prize. McGuane pocketed $28,000 for second place. Alexandra Worthington (USA) on De L’Oiseliere placed third in 45.68 for a $21,000 prize. There were 33 starters in the class, with just nine of them jumping clear within the time allowed in round one to book a place in the jump-off; six combinations remained fault-free after two rounds.