SUNDAY’S $340,000 American Gold Cup class, the focal point of the show at Traverse City, Michigan, was a competitive affair, with just six of the 23 starters jumping clear to secure a place in the jump-off. One of these combinations retired second time out, while the other five all completed double clear rounds, with two Irish men finishing on the podium.

Best of these was Shane Sweetnam and the talented Irish Sport Horse CSF James Kann Cruz (Kannan x CSF Telly Cruz by Cruising), bred by Patrick Connolly, who stopped the jump-off clock in 35.97 seconds, which was good enough for second place, while Daniel Coyle and Farrel clocked 36.49 for third. The two Irish combinations were only beaten by Kent Farrington (USA) who rode Greya round the jump-off track in the winning time of 34.75.