TIPPERARY rider Shane Breen claimed third place and an 8,000 euro prize in the famous five-star La Baule Derby in France on Saturday, while fellow Munster rider Shane Sweetnam was best of the Irish with a ninth place in today's (Sunday) Grand Prix.

Breen, who helped Ireland to a joint third place with a clear round on the stallion Balloon in Friday's Nations' Cup at the French venue, rode his own mare Ominerale Courcelle on the challenging derby course, and though faster than the French winner Patrice Delaveau, had one fence down.