THIRTY-one year-old Cian O'Connor has been awarded the Leading Rider trophy after finishing second in the four-star Grand Prix at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates today (Saturday) with the Irish-bred gelding 'Larkhill Cruiser'.

O'Connor racked up a total of five second places during the three-day show.

O'Connor has also picked up the Leading Rider Award for the entire Arab World Cup Qualifying League that took place over the last month in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain, due to his consistent top five placings.

The Meath-based rider also saw his Irish-bred gelding 'Larkhill Cruiser' take the Leading Horse award for the tour.

Today's Al Ain Grand Prix was won by Syria's Yasser al Sherif and 'Gemini', beating the Irish combination by just over a second.

Cian O'Connor