KILDARE-born Niall Talbot took second place this evening (Sunday) at the San Remo Grand Prix in Italy with the chestnut gelding 'Nicos de la Cense'.

The 39 year-old Swiss-based rider was one of ten through to the second round, and although finishing a comfortable six seconds clear of third-placed Belgian Nick Vrins, Talbot was unable to catch Italian ace Natale Chiaudani and 'Snai Gratina CH', who stopped the clock just under a second faster.

Ireland's other competitor in the Grand Prix, Mark McAuley, finished 12th with 'Irma Bella di ca' San Giorgio' after having a single rail down in the first round.
 

Niall Talbot