BOTH irish riders competing at the landmark Rolex Kentucky four-star event tonight (Friday) finished in the top 50 after the dressage phase.

Seventy-two of the world's top riders are competing in the HSBC Classic, one of only five at this rank in the world, and Ireland's Capt. Geoff Curran, riding the Minister for Defence and Maurice Cassidy's 'The Jump Jet' finished in equal 24th place with the USA's Colin Davidson and 'Draco'.

Ireland's US-based rider Hilda Donahue, meanwhile, completed the dressage phase in 37th place on 'Extravagance'.

Current leader at the Rolex Kentucky event is Britain's William Fox-Pitt with 'Cool Mountain', while the Irish-bred 'Mandiba' is in joint second place with US rider Karen O'Connor.

The cross-country phase of the event is due to start tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) at 3.30pm (local time), with show jumping completing the competition on Sunday.

Capt. Geoff Curran