TWENTY-three year-old Alexander Butler took first place in today's (Sunday) Grand Prix at Lummen in Belgium, riding Harold McGahern's grey Irish-bred Touchdown gelding 'Will Wimble'.

The Co. Meath rider was one of 13 through to the jump-off at the three-star show, and beat fellow Irish rider Shane Carey and Steen Bundgaard's stallion 'Lancero' into runner-up spot by just over half a second.

Eighth place in the 50-strong field was claimed by another Irish rider, Paddy O'Donnell and the Irish-bred mare 'Harristown Princess'.

Longford owner and breeder of 'Will Wimble', Harold McGahern, today said of Butler's victory: "He was on the winning Nations' Cup team in Finland last year, and the stallion also won Tattersall's Grand Prix in 2009, but today's result is nothing less than the stuff of dreams. I am delighted."

Alexander Butler