Podium finish for Mikey Pender and Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais in Abu Dhabi World Cup Grand Prix

Kildare’s Mikey Pender has completed a hugely impressive few days at the four-star show in Abu Dhabi, UAE, by taking a third place finish with the Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais in today’s (Saturday) Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix which was part of the Arab League.

Pender was one of 12 riders who made it through to the jump-off after he jumped a perfect clear first round with the 9-year-old gelding HHS Calais (ISH), who is owned by Miguel Bravo and Marion Hughes. He took the lead early in the jump-off with another clear against the clock in 39.88 seconds which would prove good enough for third place at the finish. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann took the winners prize with Solid Gold Z (39.16) while Abdel Said (EGY) finished as runner-up with Arpege du Ru (39.49).

Mikey Pender scored a victory on Saturday in the Al Shira’aa Derby in Abu Dhabi while there was also an Irish win in the U25 Grand Prix for Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan.

BREEDING

HHS Calais (ISH) – 2011 gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of MHS OBOS Cruise (ISH) by OBOS Quality (OLD). Breeder: Ita Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).