Cian O’Connor wins Belgian Grand Prix as three Irish riders finish in top five

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor came out on top in today’s (Sunday) two-star Ashford Farm sponsored Grand Prix at Sentower Park in Belgium, where Irish riders were in superb form filling three of the top five places.

O’Connor (pictured) was riding the Ronocco Jump-owned 10-year-old gelding Lazzaro delle Schiave, with victory coming after a 16-horse jump-off. The London Olympic Bronze medalist stopped the clock clear in 40.72 seconds which was the fastest of nine double clear rounds.
Mikey Pender also took fourth place for Ireland with The Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais, just ahead of Jenny Rankin in fifth with Quentin PJ.

Meanwhile at Salzburg four-star show in Austria, Tipperary’s Shane Breen recorded two runner-up finishes. He guided the Carmel Ryan-owned Compelling Z to second spot in the 1m55, while he also took second spot in a 1m50 with Evita.