Today the action kicked-off at the Royal Dublin Horse Show in Ireland. In the 1.60m CSIO5* opening class ten out of the 42 horse-and-rider combinations cleared the first round. Eventually it was Ireland's own, Paul O'Shea jumping to victory aboard Skara Glen's Machu Picchu (Silverstone).
The Irish pair advanced on a strong French force with Julien Gonin placing second aboard Valou du Lys (Calvaro F.C.). Gonin's compatriot, Kevin Staut completed the stage with his Bond Jamesbond de Hay (Diamant de Semilly) while Billy Twomey and Vagabond des Forets (Corofino 2) settled for the fourth place.
Eventually Harrie Smolders and Darry Lou (Tangelo vd Zuuthoeve) completed the top five in this 1.60m class.
Earlier it was Michael Pender and HHS Fortune (Catoki) who jumped to victory in the 1.45m Speed Stakes. In the CSIO5* 1.45m Minerva Stakes it was home rider, Richard Howley jumping to the number one spot aboard Fame (Harley).
F. © Laurence Dunne / Horse Sport Ireland