Kelly and Doyle in top three at Bolesworth

THOUGH not delivering the wins that have so far distinguished this weekend’s performances at the British four-star show in Bolesworth, Irish riders nevertheless gave a good account of themselves today (Saturday) with two top three places.

In the world ranking jump-off class, Capt. Michael Kelly and the Minister for Defence’s bay gelding Drumiller Lough continued their recent good form with a runner-up spot that yielded 5,500 euro in prize money, while Edward Doyle and Regina Prescott’s bay stallion Mullaghdrin Touch the Stars, almost three seconds behind Kelly, claimed 4,000 euro for their third place. Both riders piloted Irish Sport Horses.

Cork’s Billy Twomey also featured in the class, placing the experienced mare Tinka’s Serenade, which the rider jointly owns with Sue Davies, in ninth. The competition was won by Britain’s Robert Whitaker and the stallion USA Today, who took home 9,000 euro with just a sixth of a second in hand over the Irish runner-up.

Seventeen riders made it through to the jump-off from a formidable 65-strong start list.

On Thursday, Co. Down’s Dermott Lennon and the Irish Sport Horse Loughview Lou Lou won the world ranking speed class, while Shane Breen took Friday’s speed class with a horse making its debut at international level, Acoustik Solo du Baloubet. Later last night David Simpson was joint winner of the Puissance with Gotti van Paemel.

The Bolesworth Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Michael Kelly and Drumiller Lough (ISH)