FOUR Dutch riders finished in the top five at today's (Monday) Grand Prix at De Steeg in the Netherlands, but Ireland was once again in the ribbons at the four-star show, with a second place from Shane Breen and Carmel Ryan's Carthago Z stallion 'Carmena Z'.

Breen, who had taken victory with the Irish-bred 'Camblin' in the previous night's feature class, looked unbeatable today in the 11 horse jump-off, but Maikel van der Vleuten and the Dutch-bred mare 'VDL Groep Sapphire' eventually stopped the clock just half a second faster than the Tipperary rider to claim the 30,000 euro first prize.

The competition, which saw only three double clear rounds recorded, also yielded 20,000 euro for Breen as the runner-up prize.

The 36 year-old was the sole rider amongst the three Irish Grand prix entries to qualify for the jump-off today, with Jessica Kurten and Dermott Lennon failing to go clear in the first round.

Shane Breen with Carmena Z