Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

O'CONNOR CLAIMS SECOND IN FLORIDA GRAND PRIX

 CIAN O'Connor and the Kerry-bred KEC Alligator Alley were best of the Irish in tonight's (Sunday) 80,000 dollar Grand Prix in Wellington, Florida.

The Meath-based rider came close to catching the eventual winner, Britain's Nick Skelton and Big Star, but a single mistake in a tight three-horse jump off left him in the runner-up slot.

O'Connor, whose double clear round with Blue Loyd earlier this month helped Ireland finish second in the US Nations' Cup at Wellington, saw two team-mates also finish in the top ten tonight.

Richie Moloney and Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve recorded a fifth place after a single time fault ruled them out of the jump off, while Shane Sweetnam, winner of the WEF Challenge Cup on Thursday, faulted once in the first round with Amaretto Darco, but was fast enough to take seventh overall.


BREEDING
KEC Alligator Alley (ISH) – 2002 bay gelding by Aldatus Z (OLD) out of Omard Queenie (ISH), by Clover Hill (ID C1). Bred by Kieran Kennedy, Caherwisheen, Ballyard, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Owner: Sinead & Oonagh Kennedy. Rider: Cian O’Connor (IRL)

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