Source:  News Release/Colin McClelland

SHOW JUMPING - O'CONNOR TAKES FIRST IRISH VICTORY AT OLYMPIA CHRISTMAS SHOW

FOLLOWING his epoch-making show jumping appearance at Croke Park on Monday, Ireland's Cian O'Connor tonight (Wednesday) collected Ireland's first 2012 prize money at the Christmas show in Olympia, London.

Riding Ahmed Tolba's chestnut gelding Splendor, the Meath-based Olympic bronze medallist was one of just six through to the jump-off in the night's feature class, and pipped British favourite Tina Fletcher and Hello Sailor to the post with almost three seconds in hand, collecting the 3,000 euro first prize.

O'Connor said after his victory: "It's been a fantastic year, and to win at Olympia really caps it off."

O'Connor is Ireland's only representative at the London venue, where the World Cup Qualifier takes place on Saturday afternoon and the Grand Prix on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Antrim-born Jessica Kurten flies the Irish flag at Madrid's three-star competition in Spain, where she will compete with three horses this weekend. 

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