Irish riders open strong in the CSI5* classes
The Irish riders opened strong in the CSI5* classes. In the CSI5* 1.40m Sport Vlaanderen Prize, Peter Moloney on the 11-year-old mare Steyburn (Careful x Bold Indian) finished first ahead of his compatriot Mark McAuley on Engerupgaards Cezanne (Balou du Rouet x Lucky Light) with 0.20 seconds separating the two riders. Third place went to Frederic Vernaet, who was best on behalf of the hosts riding Gin Duidam (Quidam de Revel x Corofino) – 0.30 seconds behind the winning time.
Darragh Kenny continued the Irish success in the CSI5* 1.45m STX Horseboxes Prize, when taking the top honours with the 9-year-old Billy Dorito (Billy Mexico x Vechta). It was a close call though, as home rider Francois Mathy Jr. followed only 0.03 seconds behind on Hello Diamant (Diamant de Semilly x Stakkato) while third place went to Spain’s Pilar Lucrecia Cordon on Seawillow (Sir Satchmo x Stakkato Gold) 1.74 seconds behind the winning time.
“It was big enough and not so many clear rounds in the class. My horse Billy Dorito jumped really good today, was careful and although I did not go too fast I made the time quite easy,” Kenny commented afterwards. “The venue here is fantastic, Stephan did an amazing job – I think it’s one of the best places in Europe to come and ride.”
