CIAN O'Connor took sixth place in this evening's (Saturday) World Cup class in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Riding the Irish-bred gelding 'Larkhill Cruiser, which he acquired late last year, the Meath-based rider recorded the fastest time in the jump-off, but paid the penalty with two fences down. Winner of the competition was World Equestrian Games Silver Medallist, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al-Sharbatli, who recorded a zero score over both rounds.

In the earlier Mini Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi's Equestrian Club grounds, Marion Hughes took second place with 'Crispien' on a single time fault, while O'Connor claimed fourth with the Irish-bred mare 'Arabella', also on a first-round time fault.

Only the United Arab Emirates rider Shaikh Shakbout al Nayan recorded a zero score, with 'Vitesse Greenfield', removing the need for a jump-off.
 

Cian O'Connor