IRELAND'S Cian O'Connor, riding Dr. Michael Smurfit's mare 'K Club Lady' finished second in the Swiss Grand Prix at St.Gallen this afternoon (Sunday), jumping one of only two double clears in the 47 strong field.

Cork's Billy Twomey with 'Je t'Aime Flamenco' finished fourth with two time faults.

With twelve through to the second phase of the competition, O'Connor was first to go of the clear rounds and opted for a careful approach, finishing with zero faults on the board, but was eventually out-paced on time by last man in, Germany's Carsten-Otto Nagel on 'Corradina', who took the 54,000 euro first prize.

Afterwards O' Connor said: "After a less than perfect first round in the Nations' Cup on Friday it was great to be able to show that the mare can produce a double clear at this level, which is really new to her. She's as careful as a kitten, but has the heart of a lion, and in my opinion is one of the best vertical jumpers around. I am delighted with her performance today."
 

Cian O'Connor