Michael G Duffy and Lapuccino 2 score another big Grand Prix win for Irish horses and riders

Mayo’s Michael G Duffy and The Irish Sport Horse Lapuccino 2, owned by Carl Hanley Sport Horses, have taken a commanding victory in today’s four-star Grand Prix at Vejer De la Frontera in Spain, to add to an excellent run of Irish results. They finished with almost two seconds to spare over British runner-up Joseph Stockdale with Equine America Cacharel, while Swiss star  Steve Guerdat finished third with Albfuehren’s Maddox.

Michael G Duffy celebrates after victory in Spain (Photo:  Sunshine Tour 2021)

Speaking afterward, Duffy highlighted how Lapuccino is a special horse for him:

“Today’s course was very tough, with high-level riders and only six horses that finished without faults. I didn’t do anything crazy [in the jump-off]. I stayed fast all the way and on the last line I pushed even more, I think that was where I saved time. Lapuccino has been with me for five or six years and with each passing year he makes things better. He has taken me all over the world and I adore him. Today he gave everything for me and winning this Grand Prix is very special.”

The four-star win for Duffy and Lapuccino 2 (ISH) came less than 24 hours after Wexford’s Bertram Allen and The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro took victory in the five-star Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA.

BREEDING
Lapuccino 2 (ISH) – 2008 stallion by SIEC Livelllo (HOLST) out of Cabaret III (BHD). Breeder: Sven Kapp, Co. Galway. Owner: Carl Hanley Sporthorses GmbH. Rider: Michael G Duffy (IRL)