Irish riders dominate Florida Championship in United States

IRISH riders totally dominated today’s (Saturday) $35,000 Suncast Championship at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, filling three of the top-four places.

Cork-born Shane Sweetnam claimed the winner’s prize with Buckle Up, a 10-year-old gelding who only arrived in Sweetnam’s stables less than a month ago. Olympic bronze medallist Cian O’Connor finished as runner-up with Callisto, after they produced the only other double clear round of the competition, less than a second slower than the winners time.

Co Clare’s David Blake slotted into fourth place with Binkie, when they were one of just four combinations to jump clear in the opening round of the four-star contest.