William Funnell and Billy Congo win five-star grand prix in Ukraine

William Funnell won a whopping €50,000 ( £39,660) on Sunday at the Donbass Equicentre in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Riding Billy Congo, William won the CSI***** W grand prix on the final day of the Donbass Tour (31 August-2 September).

He was clear over both rounds, posting 41.19sec in the jump-off.

This put him ahead of second placed Max Kuhner, of Germany, on Coeur De Lion in 41.5sec; Australia’s Edwina Tops Alexander and Guccio with 42.16 and Robert Smith and Voila, fourth in 42.41sec.

Wiliam had also scored a number of places over the initial two days with Billy Congo and Dorada so finished as leading rider, adding an extra €10,000 to his prize pot.

“It was the first time I had been to this show and I was really impressed,” William told H&H.

“They flew the horses out – it was the first time ‘Congo’ had flown, but it was much easier than driving all that way – and looked after us very well. It was a five-star show.

“It is very nice to win a five-star grand prix. I am very pleased with Congo – he’s had a good year.”

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