Pemble triumphs at Punchestown

Sacha Pemble and I’ve Been Dun triumphed in the Failte Ireland Punchestown CCI*** after overnight leader William Fox-Pitt had to withdraw Idalgo before the show jumping due to lameness.

Lying second after cross-country, with Tor Brewer and Highleadon less than one fence behind, Pemble appeared to need a clear round to win, when a cricket score in the final phase dropped Brewer out of contention. An eight fault round for Pemble proved good enough for first place.

Britain’s Vicky Brake and Looks Like Fun were second ahead of Ireland’s Louise Lyons and Watership Down. Pippa Funnell finished fifth with Chamrock.

British riders dominated in the two-star competition with Matthew Wright retaining his lead with a clear round in the final phase. Eight faults relegated Bettina Hoy out of the top five, leaving Mary King, Polly Stockton and Pippa Funnell to take second, third and fouth places respectively.

For the results in full visit: www.punchestown3de.com

• Don’t miss H&H’s indepth report from Punchestown in this Thursday’s magazine (25 May, ’06)

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