Five-star Mexican Grand Prix win for Ireland’s Paul O’Shea

The biggest Show Jumping competition across the globe over the weekend saw an Irish rider come out on top, with Limerick’s Paul O’Shea guiding the 12-year-old mare Chancelloress to victory in the GNP Seguros Grand Prix at Concurso de Salto La Silla in Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday.

Paul O’Shea and Chancelloress on their way to a five-star win in Mexico (Photo: Ashley Neuhof/MLSJ)

O’Shea put his mare’s speed to the test and pipped Canada’s Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina by more than a second. The finish was a debut five-star victory for Chancelloress, owned by Niall Carey and Trelawny Farm.

“When she jumps, she’s brave and tough,” said O’Shea. “[What makes her special] is great reflexes. She’s really quick and has great technique. In the double oxers, I hardly had to push. When I saw that combination, I was happy because she jumps them really well and powerful. The venue here was outstanding and both shows in Mexico have been fantastic.”

Rounding out the podium, Jana Wargers (GER) finished in third aboard Limbridge, a horse she owns together with Ashford Farm and Jos Lansink, after also winning the two-star Grand Prix with Chacco’s Lady 2.

Meanwhile back in Europe, two Irish riders with two 9-year-old Irish Sport Horses finished inside the top four in Sunday’s four-star Grand Prix at Vilamoura in Portugal. Only five combinations jumped clear in the opening round with Kildare’s Mikey Pender and HHS Fast Forward (ISH) taking third place, just ahead of Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan in fourth with BBS McGregor (ISH). Victory went to Germany’s Nicola Pohl and Exelero 2 with the only double clear of the competition.

At Oliva in Spain, Mayo’s Cameron Hanley and The Irish Sport Horse ESI Toulouse took runner-up spot in the three-star Grand Prix. Thirteen combinations made it into the jump-off with Hanley crossing the line clear in 45.21 against the clock to finish just behind French winner Julien Epaillard and Cheyenne d’Auge. Ireland’s Harold Megahey was also among the prizes finishing fifth with Kingston.

Also in Oliva, Carlow’s Jason Foley and The Irish Sport Horse Keatingstown Z Wellie Two scored an excellent win in Sunday’s three-star 1m45 jump-off class. One of five combinations to make it into the jump-off, they completed a flawless second round to finish over a second ahead of the next best finisher.

BREEDING
HHS Fast Forward (ISH), 2012 mare by Heritage Fortunus (HANN) out of China Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST), bred by Marion Hughes owned by Bravo Hughes Ltd
BBS Mcgregor (ISH) 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of Random Chance (ISH) by Mark Twain (TB) bred and owned by Marguerite Ryan
Keatingstown Z Wellie Two (ISH) 2011 Gelding by Z Wellie 72 (KWPN) out of Marchionesse (ISH) bred and owned by Sharon Fitzpatrick
ESI Toulouse (ISH) – 2011 gelding by SIEC Livello (HOLST) out of Catina (BEWB) by Quasimodo VD Molendreef (BWP). Breeder: Cian O’Connor, Co. Meath. Owner and Rider: Cameron Hanley (IRL).