Kürten’s decision to skip Dublin Horse Show in favour of Brazil pays dividends

SHOW jumper Jessica Kürten’s decision to travel to the Global Champions’ Tour (GCT) show in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the weekend instead of this week’s Dublin Horse Show proved lucrative when she placed second in a jump-off class yesterday.

The 37-year-old German-based woman and the 13-year-old bay stallion Galopin de Biolay finished two seconds behind Swiss winner Markus Fuchs and Royal Charmer to earn €25,000.

The world number three had already pocketed €10,000 for her seventh place in Saturday’s GCT grand prix on Castle Forbes Maike.

One of nine to progress to the third round jump-off on a zero tally, Kürten collected four faults to end her bid for the major money.

On the domestic circuit, Clem McMahon extended his lead in the Atec Premier Series yesterday with only one round to go when fourth in the South County Dublin Junior Hunt Grand Prix.

The Clones rider’s performance at Kill International came as his nearest rival Paul O’Shea failed to make it into the top six.

McMahon now has 41 points, with O’Shea on 28.

The final round takes place in Millstreet in a fortnight, when double points will make for an interesting conclusion

Yesterday’s penultimate round was won by Conor Swail on Nepomuk, producing the fastest of only three double clears in a 12-horse jump-off.

In eventing, Bandon-based couple Patricia and Michael Ryan finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in the B section of the CIC three-star at Gatcombe in England. Both jumped clear in the cross-country and show jumping, with Patricia scoring 74.50 penalties on Fernhill Clover Mist and her husband 79.30 with Old Road.

Limerick-born Michael is hopeful of making the squad for next month’s European Championships in Italy and yesterday said: “It was a serious track and, so, a good preparation run.”

British-based Austin O’Connor is also looking to book his ticket and sixth place with Hobby Du Mee in the A section of the CIC three-star with jumping clears in both cross-country and show jumping boosted his chances. The Corkman finished on 63 penalties.

Ireland’s Junior eventing team of Alex Donohoe (Golden Orphan), Aoife Reilly (Ground Control), Rachel Moorhead (Pajero) and Camilla Speirs (Portersize Just A Jiff) placed fifth in the European Championships at Avenches, Switzerland. Britain claimed gold.

Also, efforts are underway to bring eventing back to Blarney Castle. If plans come to fruition, it is envisaged that it will be run as a one-day event in 2008.

Blarney Castle, owned by Charles Colthurst, was renowned as one of Europe’s best two-star events, attracting the sport’s elite. However, in 2003 it was cancelled following the death of Charles’s father Sir Richard Colthurst.

Meanwhile, there is no indication at this stage that the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey, England, will affect this week’s Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse, which begins on Wednesday.