Victory for Mayo’s Michael G Duffy in Dutch Grand Prix

Mayo’s Michael G Duffy was in excellent form on the international Show Jumping circuit on Sunday, when he took victory in the two-star Grand Prix at Valkenswaard in The Netherlands.

Michael G Duffy and Chappo Chey (Photo LGCT Valkenswaard)

Riding the Carl Hanley-owned 11-year-old gelding Chappo Chey, they came out on top after a hugely competitive 18 horse jump-off. Duffy posted the winning clear in a time of 38.41 seconds to finish ahead of Britain’s Jack Whitaker in second with Parkmore Rowan while Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts took third with Le Blue Diamond v’t Ruytershof.

Later at the same venue, a double clear round from Tipperary’s Shane Breen and Z7 Ipswich helped New York Empire to a third place finish in the Global Champions League while Breen and Z7 Ipswich also finished third individually.

Across the Atlantic, Limerick’s Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu finished best of the Irish in the 50th annual $213,300 American Gold Cup at Traverse City, Michigan in the USA. They took fourth place with a double clear round while Kilkenny’s Richie Moloney finished inside the top 10 with Rocksy Music. Victory went to America’s Kent Farrington with Gazelle.