Cian O’Connor wins World Cup qualifier in Beijing
Ireland’s Cian O’Connorhas won the World Cup qualifier in Beijing today (3 October) – the first non-Chinese rider to do so.
Riding a borrowed horse Wavanta [due to strict Chinese quarantine laws] the Olympic individual bronze medallist took the class with the only double clear.
Chinese showjumper Bian Baciren took second with the Netherlands’ Edwin Smits in third at the Beijing International Equestrian Club.
“I am absolutely thrilled to win this major event here in China and perhaps contribute to the very encouraging relationship which is emerging between China and Ireland in regard to our respective horse industries,” said Cian.
Read full report in next week’s issue of H&H (11 October).
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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.