Spanish Grand Prix win for Kildare’s Michael Pender while Richard Howley scores victory in France

Irish riders were in excellent form in yesterday’s (Sunday) two-star Grand Prix at the Seville Horse Tour in Carmona, Spain, where Kildare’s Michael Pender took victory with The Irish Sport Horse HHS Burnchurch.

Michael Pender receives the winners trophy after victory in the Carmona Grand Prix (Photo: Sevilla Horse Tour)

Pender was among eight riders who made it through to the jump-off with the 8-year-old gelding and they went on to produce the fastest clear in 40.16 seconds to take the winners prize of €6,250.

Galway’s Sofie Slattery also finished among the prizes when taking third place with Valentine Du Bois Pinchet with a  clear in 43.02. Damien Dixon completed an excellent result for the Irish by finishing fourth with Quelqu’un des Mets.

Meanwhile at Lyon’s five-star World Cup show in France, Sligo’s Richard Howley scored a win in the 1m50 speed class. He partnered the HK Horses & Sarah Borthwick-owned Chinook to the fastest clear in 59.33 seconds to take the top prize of €6,250.

BREEDING
HHS Burnchurch (ISH) – 2010 gelding by Heritage Fortunus (HANN) out China Cavalier (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Marion Hughes, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Maguel Maria Bravo. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL)