Podium Finish for Michael Duffy in 5* Grand Prix

Michael Duffy lands third place finish in Hamburg while Irish riders excel around the world 

Irish riders completed what has been an excellent week in the CSI5* in Hamburg, Germany. Michael Duffy partnered Che Fantasica, a 14-year-old stallion owned by Ludger Beerbaum Stables GmbH, to finish third in the 1.60m Grand Prix this afternoon, Saturday 20th May.

Duffy was one of 12 riders to jump clear in the opening round and progress to the jump-off. Victory went to the home nation with Gerrit Nieberg, riding Ben, who stopped the clock in the jump-off in an unbeatable time of 46.63 seconds. Second went to Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly in 47.22 seconds.

Duffy jumped clear in the jump-off in 50.64, over two seconds ahead of his nearest rival. An unfortunate fence down in the opening round kept Bertram Allen and the Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro from the jump-off.

Shane Breen recorded three top five finishes at the same show over the course of the week. Breen was fifth and second with Cate Boy, owned by Nikki Rutter, in a 1.55m ranking class on Friday and in the 1.50m ranking class today. He was third with Cuick Star Kervec, owned by Breen Equestrian Ltd. and Quirke Sport Horses in a 1.55m ranking class on Thursday.

Yesterday, the Ireland secured their place in the EEF Nations Cup semi-final. The Irish team of Alexander Butler, Max Wachman, Tom Wachman and Cian O’Connor claimed one of five qualifying places in the Nations Cup in Kronenberg, The Netherlands.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by The Underwriting Exchange

Charles Ancona – Official athlete clothing supplier to HSI’s Senior Olympic programmes

BREEDING

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).