Kurten wins Swiss Grand Prix

Jessica Kurten continued her recent remarkable run of form on the international show jumping circuit with a win in the Grand Prix at Zurich, Switzerland yesterday. The victory added another 20,000 euros to the quarter million dollar prize she took home a fortnight ago after winning the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge in Dubai (pictured).

Partnering Quibell, the 36-year-old Irish rider jumped a faultless first round to become one of only 11 jump-off participants.

In a nail-biting finish Kurten crossed the line under half a second ahead of Swiss ace Beat Mandli with Ideo du Thot. Germany’s Alois Pollmann Schweckhorst took third place on Candy. The victory marks Kurten’s fifth win of the last fortnight.

Meanwhile, The Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI ) has taken over selection for senior and developmental international show jumping from the Show Jumping Association of Ireland, on an interim basis.

The move is designed to ensure Irish teams enjoy stability and continuity in the current season, and in the run-up to the World Equestrian Games, following events in Irish show jumping over the past year, and the negative publicity and upset these have engendered. A show jumping selection committee will be announced shortly.

Picture by Kit Houghton

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