IRISH riders took a fair share of the prize money in the two opening competitions at Rome's big five-star show today (Thursday).

With Rome's signature event, the Italian Nations' Cup, looming tomorrow, Irish squad members were prominent in today's placings at the famous Piazza di Siena showgrounds. Offaly's Darragh Kenny claimed a third place in the first competition on 'Celano', and Cork's Billy Twomey placing eighth with the Irish-bred 'Cavinem'. The competition was won by America's McLain Ward and 'Pjotter va de Zonnehoeve'.

In the following jump-off class, victory went to Britain's Ben Maher and 'Seventh Sense', but Mayo's Cameron Hanley slotted 'Bordeaux VDL' into fourth during the 15 horse jump-off, with Twomey again in the top ten, taking eighth place on 'Je t'Aime Flamenco'

Irish team manager Robert Splaine will confirm his team for the Meydan Nations' Cup competition later tonight, and the event will begin at shortly after 2pm Irish time on Friday.
 

Cameron Hanley - fourth at Rome