ARMY rider Capt. David O'Brien added to Ireland's weekend tally of Grand Prix top fives with a runner-up spot in Maubeuge, France this afternoon (Sunday) on his long-term partner, the Minister for Defence's grey Cruising mare 'Mo Chroi'.

O'Brien, who celebrates his 32nd birthday later this month, claimed the Grand Prix second place with a double clear round that netted him over 6,000 euro in prize money, beating off a challenge from third-placed British ace Robert Whitaker and the acclaimed Irish-bred gelding 'Casino'.

Winner of the 1m55 class was Britain's Laura Renwick and yet another Irish-bred star, the bay mare 'Roller Coaster III", who pipped O'Brien to the top prize by just eight tenths of a second.

Ireland's Shane Breen took first prize in the Belgian Grand Prix at Lummen this afternoon, while Niall Talbot was fourth in the San Giovanni Grand Prix in Italy.

 

Capt. David O'Brien