Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

Eventing - Irish Sport Horses Take
Top Two Places at Europe's Biggest Three-Day Event

IN A triumph for Irish breeding, Irish Sport Horses claimed the top two places today (Sunday) at mainland Europe's biggest three-day event.

First place at Luhmuhlen in Germany went to Mr. Cruise Control, ridden by World No.1 Eventer, New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson. The horse is by the legendary stallion Cruising and was bred in Ireland by Jenny McCann of Hartwell Stud, Kill, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Nicholson today held his overnight lead following the cross country phase, with Mr. Cruise Control delivering a perfect zero score in the show jumping phase.

Fifty one year-old Nicholson said of his horse: "He is very experienced at this level and was a pleasure to ride.”

Close behind in second place at Luhmuhlen was the Irish Sport Horse High Kingdom, ridden by Britain's Zara Phillips, also delivering zero faults in show jumping today. Phillips, who is a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, went around yesterday's cross country course clear and inside the time to move up from fourth place after Friday's dressage.

High Kingdom is by Master Imp and was bred in Co. Wicklow by William Micklem.

Ireland's highest-placed rider was Joseph Murphy, who finished in 18th with the Irish Sport Horse Sportsfield Othello after having one rail down in the show jumping phase today. 

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