Irish eyes smiling as WEF 5 off to a flier for Sweetnam and Wachman

Gilona AO and Shane Sweetnam jumping to a podium finish in the $116,100 CSI5* Adequan WEF Challenge Cup at Wellington International. Pic: Sportfot

Fresh from a massively successful fourth week at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Shane Sweetnam added another podium finish last night in the $116,100 CSI5* Adequan WEF Challenge Cup in round five.

Sweetnam partnered Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz to finish second in the four-star MARS Equestrian Grand Prix last week and it was bronze in Florida yesterday.

The Corkman and 14-year-old mare Gilona AO landed a podium finish behind Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts with Katanga V/H Dingeshof after a double clear effort, finishing third behind Philippaerts, and Ben Maher with with Enjeu de Grisien.

A clear second round in 36.14 saw Sweetnam take third place on the horse he owns with Popish Farm and Seabrook LLC.

Keeping up the excellent returns for Ireland, Andrew Bourns was also placed in the class, finishing fifth with Irish Sport Horse Tranquility Bay.

Earlier in the day, Tom Wachman and I’m Here, owned by Coolmore Showjumping, landed the top spot in the CSI2* 1.45m class that kicked off competition in the International Arena.

Nicole Walker (CAN) and Excellent B took second, while Alison Robitaille (USA) and Dagny, owned by Alison Firestone LLC, claimed third.

I’m Here and Tom Wachman after winning the CSI2* 1.45m class at Wellington International. Pic: Sportfot