MURPHY AND NEWSAM IN TOP FIVE AT HOPETOUN

TWO Irish riders finished in the top five at the CIC three-star event at Hopetoun in Scotland this afternoon, with Joseph Murphy taking the runner-up slot and Jim Newsam placing fourth.

Murphy, who was riding the Irish Sport Horse Electric Cruise, owned by Noel Good, Jill Andrews, A. O’Callaghan and Michelle Nelson, came home in second inside the time on cross country to move up from tenth after the show jumping phase on a total score of 57.00.

Newsam, meanwhile, also jumped eight places at the finish to claim fourth on his own Irish Sport Horse gelding Magennis with a score of 69.80.

Ireland’s Eventing High Performance Manager Nick Turner said: “Joseph Murphy and Jim Newsam both produced great cross country rounds to secure second and fourth places respectively. Joseph and Electric Cruise rode an exemplary round to be the only combination to complete inside the time around a tough cross country course in strong company”

The three-star event was won by Britain’s Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz on 49.60.

Joseph Murphy (left) and Jim Newsam

BREEDING:

•Electric Cruise (ISH) – 2001 chestnut gelding by Cruising (ISH) out of Kilnamac Sally (ISH), by Clover Hill (ID). Bred by James J Ryan, Co. Tipperary. Owner: Noel Good, Jill Andrews, A O’Callaghan & Michelle Nelson. Rider: Joseph Murphy (IRL)

•Magennis (ISH) – 2002 bay gelding by Limmerick (HOLST) out of Inishkea (ISH), by Zero Watt (TB). Bred by Patrick Tiernan, Co. Down. Owner/Rider: Jim Newsam (IRL)