Double joy for Cian O’Connor as birth of daughter is followed by five-star win in Qatar

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor stormed to victory in tonight’s speed class at the five-star Global Champions Tour final in Doha, Qatar, after a blistering round with the nine-year-old gelding Callisto.

O’Connor and his wife Ruth, this week celebrated the birth of their second child, Cara Louise, and the couple had further cause for celebration this evening when the Meath-based rider saw off a 35 strong startlist to take the winners prize of just over €8,000.

Cian O’Connor and Callisto on their way to victory in Doha (Photo: LGCT)

Speaking afterwards the London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist said:

“Callisto has a big stride and I tried to use it being quick from fence one to two. I got a good turn-back to fence four and took a bit of a chance down to fence nine but he jumped it really well. I just played to his strengths, he is careful and can go quick. I have had a great week, Ruth and Cara Louise and doing very well. Ruth gets out of hospital on Saturday and I will be home on Sunday, and hopefully we can get some more good results tomorrow before I go home.”

The Irishman denied Bassem Mohammed a home win, the Qatari rider crossed the line almost two seconds slower with Argelith Squid to take runner-up spot, while Tipperary’s Denis Lynch finished in tenth place with Campino.

Cian O’Connor celebrates victory at the five-star fixture in Doha with Callisto (Photo: LGCT)

O’Connor and Lynch will be joined by Bertram Allen in Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix final at the spectacular Al Shaqab arena in Doha.

Bertram Allen currently sits in fourth place on the overall LGCT Ranking table and with €450,000 on offer in tomorrow’s Grand Prix, and a further €1 Million to be divided among the top-ranked riders on the league table, Allen is obviously excited ahead of the final:

“I can’t wait for the LGCT final. All year the Tour has been incredibly competitive, with the best riders and horses at every show creating the best show jumping. The final at Al Shaqab will be intense and I’m looking forward to competing,” he said.