Ireland’s Mikey Pender and The Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais claimed victory in today’s (Sunday) two-star Grand Prix at Peelbergen in The Netherlands, coming out on top after a 16-horse jump-off. It was Pender’s first ever visit to Peelbergen and he took full advantage of being drawn last to go in the jump-off.
“It is quite a successful first show here,” commented Pender afterwards. “We are currently based nearby for a few weeks to attend a series of shows. One of which is a Nations Cup in a few weeks and the preparation with HHS Calais could not have been better. In the jump-off we could take out a few strides here and there and I think that made us just a little faster than the rest.”
Meanwhile in the five-star Rolex Grand Prix of Rome there was another hugely impressive performance from an Irish horse and rider. Bertram Allen and The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro were one of just five combinations to jump clear in a challenging first round. They lowered a single fence in the jump-off to finish fourth and collect €40,000. The €100,000 winners prize went to Gernany’s David Will with C Vier 2, while Darragh Kenny finished 13th with Idalville D’Esprit.
The Irish Eventing team were in FEI Nations Cup action over the weekend at Houghton Hall in Britain and went on to score a runner-up finish behind the home team who took victory. The Irish trio of Joseph Murphy (Cesar V) Susie Berry (Ringwood LB) and Austin O’Connor (Colorado Blue) finished on a score of 115 while Britain claimed the win on 98.5 and Australia finished third on 136.8.
Photo – Mikey Pender took victory in the two-star Grand Prix at Peelbergen
BREEDING
HHS Calais (ISH) – 2011 gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of MHS OBOS Cruise (ISH) by OBOS Quality (OLD). Breeder: Ita Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).
Pacino Amiro (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Carnone Dancing Queen (ISH) by NC Amiro (AES). Breeder: Simon Scott, Co. Donegal. Owner: Aiden McGrory. Rider: Bertram Allen (IRL). Ringwood LB (ISH) – 2009 bay gelding by Iroko out of Seoidin Alainn (ISH) by Master Imp (TB). Bred by Caitriona Mulkere. Owner: Susie Berry, Helen Caton & Gwen Purce
