Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

Equestrian - Irish Victories Start to Mount in Weekend's Action

FOLLOWING the St. Patrick's weekend tally of six international show jumping victories, Irish riders are already heading for another successful weekend, with four wins in the bag and several top five places achieved during the last two days.

Jonathan Gordon and Caillou opened the batting on Thursday with first place in the Two Phase competition at Italy's three star show in Arezzo, quickly followed by a win from Thurles-born Thomas Ryan and Clipz at the same show.

At Vidabaun in France, Mark McAuley and Isco de Amoranda took the laurels for Ireland today (Friday), while Waterford's Anthony Condon was later placed first in the speed class at Oliva in Spain with Special Lux.

At Wellington in Florida, meanwhile, there has again been a strong Irish presence in the four-star leaderboard of the eleventh leg of the Winter Equestrian Festival, with Cork's Shane Sweetnam finishing third in tonight's speed class with Cyklon, seeing victory going to Canada's Eric Lamaze aboard the Co. Clare-bred stallion Wang Chung m2s.

Thirty-two year old US-based Sweetnam also took the runner-up spot in Wellington's main opening class on Thursday with the Irish Sport Horse Solerina, while Co. Down's Conor Swail claimed fifth on the mare Martha Louise. First place went to the USA's Lauren Hough and Ohlala.

With two more days of top level competition ahead, Irish riders look poised to exceed last weekend's total of international victories.

BREEDING: Solerina (ISH) – 1999 chestnut mare by Cruising (ISH) out of Diamond Ballerina (ISH), by Diamond Lad (ID C1). Bred by Noel Cawley, Newpark Lodge Stud, Eadestown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Owner: Sweet Oak Farm. Rider: Shane Sweetnam (IRL)

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