British and Irish showjumpers clean up overseas

It was another superb weekend for British and Irish showjumpers overseas.

Nick Skelton and Big Star continued their phenomenal run in Florida, this time taking the $80,000 CSI*** grand prix.

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (KEC Alligator Alley) filled the runner-up spot with Brits David McPherson (Chamberlain Z) and Alexandra Thornton (Blue Curacao) third and fourth respectively.

“He’s a quick horse but I didn’t go crazy fast,” said Nick.

In Spain, Guy Williams won the big tour grand prix with his Olympic hope Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhof.

Meanwhile, at the five-star Saut Hermes in Paris, Ireland’s Billy Twomey finished third in the €200,000 grand prix with Tinka’s Serenade.

The class was won by Ukraine rider Katharina Offel (Cathleen).

“I’m certainly not disappointed to finish third,” said Billy, who also landed a great victory with Romanov earlier in the day. “She’s got all the experience and is in great form right now.”

Don’t miss full reports in next week’s issue of H&H (out 22 March, 2012).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.