Magnificent five-star Grand Prix win for Ireland’s Shane Breen in Abu Dhabi

The first five-star international Grand Prix of the 2022 season has gone to Ireland after a stunning performance this morning (Friday) from Tipperary’s Shane Breen saw him take victory in the €150,000 Longines Grand Prix of the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

One of nine combinations to make it into the jump-off, Breen produced a magnificent clear second round when second last to go, stopping the clock in 36.68 seconds to take the lead. It looked as though Swedish World No.4 Henrik von Eckermann and Glamour Girl had taken victory when crossing the line in a faster time (34.45) when last to go, but a late falling pole saw him drop down to fourth place, leaving Breen victorious.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan said:

“Many congratulations to Shane Breen and his owners Team Z7 on a fantastic win with Z7 Ipswich in the Longines Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. This is great start to the season for Ireland to win the first five-star Grand Prix of 2022 and I also want to wish Michael Blake and all his team the very best of luck in Sunday’s FEI Nations Cup.”

Shane Breen is part of Michael Blake’s Irish team that also includes Jack Ryan, David Simpson and Trevor Breen for Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup of the United Arab Emirates with Ireland drawn fifth to jump of eight teams.