Irish Success at Aachen CSIO 5*

Cian O’Connor was unbeatable this evening against a high-class field of 45 riders to win the Prize of StädteRegion, two-phase class at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen. Riding the 10 year old gelding Callisto, a triumphant O’Connor commented after the win “Callisto jumped clear last week to help the team finish third in Falsterbo and then in his first class here he can go quick and get his noise in front for the win.”

Earlier today in the Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe jump off class, Bertram Allen finished in third spot with the 13 year old mare Molly Malone V.  O’Connor placed fourth in this 100,000 Euro class on his stallion Good Luck. In a competition that was run under difficult conditions with high winds and rain at the infamous Aachen venue, a little over a tenth of a second separated the top four. It was Eric Lamaze (CAN) riding Fine Lady 5 who took the honours for the second year running. These successes add to Team Ireland’s recent run of exceptional results at 5* level.

Speaking after this evenings class O’Connor said “The prize of Europe is the second biggest class of the show and to have Bertram and myself 3^rd and 4^th was no mean feat. Good Luck was just 0.13secs off winning it which I am very pleased about as he is learning to go faster all the time.”

O’Connor added – “It’s a long week and you have to pace yourself but I hope there is a few more good results to come and the main focus is on Sundays €1 million Rolex Grand Prix, where Good Luck will line out again”

Ireland are well represented at the 5* World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen not only by Cian O’Connor and Bertram Allen in Show Jumping but also with Judy Reynolds in Dressage and the Irish Team of Joseph Murphy, Elizabeth Power and Sophie Richards in Eventing.

ENDS