TEAM Ireland Equestrian's show jumping manager Robert Splaine made an unexpected appearance at the second leg of the HSI Chippison Spring Tour tonight (Sunday) and ended up winning the class.
The Co. Cork rider snatched the trophy at Cavan Equestrian Centre by a fifth of a second from Young Rider Gerard Clarke and 'Colorado' in a 14-horse jump off that yielded eight double clear rounds.
Splaine, who was riding Sean Walsh's Irish-bred stallion 'Kimberlite' said: "The owner was unable to come to Cavan to compete tonight, so I took his place, and ended up winning, which I must say was a real pleasure. He's a beautiful horse, home-bred from my own stallion 'Coolcorron Cool Diamond'."
Third place was taken by Meath's Mark Kinsella on 'Ozy Clover', one of five Irish-bred horses in the top six tonight. Sixty-six combinations took part.
The HSI Chippison Spring Tour is in association with TRI Equestrian and the Showjumpers Club and is supported by Showjumping Ireland, Darragh Equestrian Solutions, Comfort Zone and
Jumpinaction.net.
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| Robert Splaine |