The Dublin Grand Prix is widely known as one of the toughest Grand Prix's on the International circuit and today's course proved no different. The track was designed by the brilliant Alan Wade who set a tough track, which was full of tall verticals and tight turns and would prove to be a testament to both horse and riders bravery and skill.
Richard Howley was first to go for the home team. Howley and the 9 year old gelding Chinook (Tygo x Wellington) navigated the tricky course brilliantly, unfortunately the very tall and narrow 'Wolfhound' jump fell along with Howley's chances to win the prestigious Grand Prix. The time allowed of 83 seconds also proved to be a heavy factor for the riders, with many falling victim to a single time fault.
The first rider to go clear was Audrey Coulter for Team USA. She and the 11 year old stallion Capital Colnardo (Colman x Coronado) sailed around the track with ease, producing the first clear in the very quick team of 79.06 seconds.
It would be awhile before the enthusiastic Irish crowd would see the next clear round, with several top riders bowing out early, including Robert Smith (GB), Edwina Tops Alexander (AUS) and Georgina Bloomberg (USA).
The next clear round came from Irish rider Shane Breen and the beautiful 11 year old stallion Golden Hawk (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Chin Chin). The home crowd were absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of a home winner. Breen went into second place with the slightly slower time of 80.75 seconds ahead of the jump-off.
Next to beat the difficult course was the favourite to win Lorenzo de Luca and his Nations Cup partner Ensor de Litrange Lxii (Nabab de Reve x Mr.Blue). Hot off his winning streak, De Luca was full of confidence and it really showed. He produced a spectacular clear round in the time of 80.53 seconds.
The last rider to go clear was the always on form Irish rider Cian O'Connor and the unbelievable 10 year old stallion Good Luck (Canturo x Furioso II). The stallion gave every jump a foot to spare and the pair crossed the finish line with 78.73 seconds on the clock.
In the Jump-off both Audrey Coulter and Cian O'Connor had one fence down, finishing third and fourth respectively.
Lorenzo de Luca took the win ahead of Shane breen by just .63 of a second, concluding his fantastic week with a wonderful win the Dublin Grand Prix.
FULL RESULTS