Shane Breen wins Italian four-star Grand Prix while David Simpson claims victory in Prague

It was another great weekend on the international stage for Irish Showjumpers, who claimed two major Grand Prix wins in Italy and the Czech Republic.

Shane Breen and Z7 Ipswich

Tipperary’s Shane Breen and Team Z7 Ipswich scored a commanding win in the €96,000 four-star Grand Prix at Montefalco in Italy.  Just five of the 50 starters made it through to the jump-off with two of those representing Ireland. A clear round against the clock in 31.93 seconds saw Breen and the Team Z7-owned Ipswich finish almost two seconds ahead of Argentinian runner-up Jose Maria Larocca with Finn Lente. Wexford’s Harry Allen was the other Irish rider to make it into the jump-off where one fence down in 35.08 saw him finish finished fifth with Guinness.

Also today, Derry’s David Simpson recorded a brilliant win in the three-star Grand Prix at Prague in the Czech Republic. Riding the 11-year-old gelding Foudre F, Simpson finished just under half a second ahead of German runner-up Philip Houston with Sandros S Bella, while Galway’s Michael Duffy finished in sixth place with Zilton Sl Z. On Friday in Prague, Michael Blake’s Irish team finished fourth in the Czech Nations Cup which was won by the home team.

At Valkenswaard in The Netherlands, Cian O’Connor and The Irish Sport Horse Kilkenny jumped a double clear round on their way to a fourth place finish in the four-star Grand Prix. Victory went to Ben Maher 9GBR) with Ginger Blue while Irish Young Rider Max Wachman finished in 10th place with Lazzaro Delle Schiave.