Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

Equestrian - Florida's Five Star is Weekend's Main Attraction

The ninth round of the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington in Florida ramps up to five-star status this weekend, and sees the return of Tipperary's Kevin Babington to the Irish contingent competing for big US prize money at the World Cup venue.

Pennsylvania-based Babington is joined by Jennifer Crooks, Darragh Kenny, Darragh Kerins, Ronan Peter McGuigan, Richie Moloney, Cian O'Connor, Shane Sweetnam and Conor Swail.

Co. Down-born Swail, who took third place at Wellington's Grand Prix last week with Lansdowne, has already notched up an eighth place with the stallion tonight (Thursday) in the 1m50 jump-off class, that was won by the USA's Christine McCrea and Zerly.

Wellington's World Cup class takes place at midnight Irish time on Saturday.

In Europe, Capt. Michael Kelly and Brian O'Malley continue their campaign at Vejer de la Frontera in Spain, while Denis Lynch carries Irish hopes at Dortmund's three-star show in Germany.

A large number of Irish show jumpers once again line out for the Atlantic Tour at Vilamoura in Portugal, while eventers Caroline Marwood and Becky Tandy compete in Portugal's one and two-star competitions at Barocca d'Alva.

Two Irish dressage riders also compete this weekend - Dane Rawlins at Vidauban in France and Sonia Zugel at West Palm Beach in Florida. 

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