TWO Irish riders scored almost-simultaneous wins in Europe today (Saturday), with Limerick's Shane Carey posting victory in Belgium and Banbridge's Dermott Lennon claiming the top spot in Italy.

Carey, riding the bay gelding 'Temple Road', was well clear of Egyptian challenger Abdel Said in the jump-off at Lummen's three-star competition, and also saw fellow countryman Alexander Butler take third place with the Irish-bred 'Will Wimble' in the 11 horse Belgian jump-off.

In Italy, meanwhile, former World Champion Dermott Lennon streaked home in Arezzo's three-star speed class with Allan Davidson's bay mare 'Tolett', beating Belgian runner-up Jody Bosteels by just a fifth of a second in a huge field of 207 starters.

Shane Carey