Fifth place finish for Cian O’Connor and Good Luck in Longines Masters of Los Angeles Grand Prix

A superb performance from Meath-based Cian O’Connor and the stallion Good Luck, saw them finish fifth in the five-star Longines Masters of Los Angeles Grand Prix on the West Coast of America in the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Cian O’Connor and Good Luck in action at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles (Photo: Erin Gilmore)

Part of the Masters Grand Slam, the Los Angeles Grand Prix offered a huge prize fund of almost $380,000, with 10 of the 35 starters making it through to the second round jump-off. O’Connor and the 10-year-old Good Luck, who is owned by Adena Springs and Ronocco Jump Ltd, were drawn last to go after a foot-perfect clear in the first round.

Good Luck, who is relatively inexperienced at jumping indoors, produced a second clear against the clock in a time of 39.98 seconds to take fifth place overall and a prize of close to $23,000.

Speaking afterwards from LA, London Olympic Bronze meddalist O’Connor said:

“This was our first indoor show together and Good Luck’s first time jumping a five-star inside. The arena was very tight but we had a few classes to fine-tune ourselves. Tonight he jumped great, easy and within himself. Good Luck will have 10 days off ahead of the opening leg of the World Cup series in the Western European league in Oslo, Norway. I will jump in Birmingham [Horse of the Year Show] this week with different horses.”

Germany’s Daniel Deusser took the winners prize of over $124,000 with the 12-year-old mare Equita van’t Zorgvliet, pushing long-time leader Nayel Nassar (EGY) into second with Lordan. Dutchman Harrie Smolders took the third spot on the podium with Don VHP Z, while Roder Yves Bost and Pegase du Murier finished fourth for France.

Earlier, O’Connor and Tipperary’s Denis Lunch were among the prizes in the City of Long Beach Trophy 1m45. Lynch took runner-up spot with Ho Go Van de Padenborre, while O’Connor finished 10th with Callisto behind Swiss winner Steve Guerdat and Concetto Son.

Meanwhile Irish Pony riders were in stunning form this weekend at the international show at Barbizon in France. Lucy Shanahan led an Irish one-two in the pony Grand Prix, taking the winners prize with Cinderella Girl, while Robbie Clancy finished second with For Kids Only. The Pony Speed class saw Wexford’s Harry Allen score a victory with Aughnashammer, just ahead of Abbie Sweetnam in second with Spartacus Reape and Kate Derwin in third with Vales Blue Melody.