Mayo’s Michael G Duffy records impressive five-star Italian win

Irish riders have made a winning start at the Italian five-star World Cup show in Verona, with Mayo’s Michael G Duffy claiming the top prize in today’s (Friday) 1m50 speed competition.

Twenty-one-year-old Duffy was drawn to jump near the end of the competition with the Carl Hanley-owned  9-year-old gelding Chappo Chey, and made full advantage when posting what proved the winning clear in 62.27 seconds.

Riders from Sweden filled the next two places, with Henrik von Eckermann finishing second aboard Que Bueno de Hus Z (63.99), just ahead of Petronella Andersson in third with Eclatant (64.67).

Duffy is joined at the Italian venue by Wexford’s Bertram Allen and Co Louth’s Mark McAuley with Verona hosting the third round of the Longines FEI World Cup series on Sunday.