Irish riders win the $140,000 1.50m classic final – and the series – at the Winter Equestrian Festival

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Shane Sweetnam and Holliewood were first to go last night
Shane Sweetnam and Holliewood were first to jump the new Wellington International signature fence
(Image credit: Anne Gittins Photography)

While last night’s victory in the $140,000 1.50m championship jumper classic final went to Ireland’s Paul O’Shea, his fellow countryman, Shane Sweetnam claimed the win for the 1.50m jumper classic series at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“This series produces an incredibly tough class every week, and the level of competition in these classes is set at a very high standard,” said Shane, who despite never claiming a win, had a steady Winter Equestrian Festival with six top-five placings – enough to give him the title.

Sarah Eakin
Sarah Eakin
Freelance journalist

Sarah Eakin is an international equestrian journalist who writes for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including Horse & Hound, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph in the UK. A former Pony Club team member for dressage, showjumping and eventing, Sarah’s mother trained National Hunt horses and she and her three brothers also played polo. Formerly married to a US professional polo player, Sarah is currently based in Wellington, Florida.