Kürten’s joint fourth finish ends Irish hopes

EARLY optimism of Ireland’s first show jumping World Cup victory came to an abrupt end yesterday, when Jessica Kürten finished equal fourth at Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Antrim rider, on Castle Forbes Libertina, went into yesterday’s final leg in pole position, following victory in Friday’s round and placing third on Thursday.

However, when she knocked the fifth fence and then did likewise with the following obstacle, the favourite’s tag was quickly swapped for slim chance. Round two ended all hope, when the mare lowered the first fence.

Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum proved a worthy winner, taking her second World Cup with a double clear on the brilliant Shutterfly.

Kürten had some success at the show, winning Saturday’s Gothenburg Trophy with Quibell, while she was pipped yesterday in the Speed Final on the eight-year-old chestnut mare Castle Forbes Cosma.

In Florida, US-based Cork rider Shane Sweetnam won the $25,000 (€16,000) grand prix on the eight-year-old Triviant.

On the domestic circuit, Tholm Keane followed on from his Guidam League win with victory yesterday in round one of the Premier Series at Louth County Show. On Redmills Warrenstown You 2, the Waterford rider pocketed €3,600 when beating Cian O’Connor and Complete by a sixth of a second.

O’Connor also steered his new mount Rancorrado to third place.

The first round of the Munster Greyhound Night Grand Prix Series went to Ger O’Neill yesterday, when he came out best in an eight-horse jump-off at Kennedy’s Dohyle Stud, Rathkeale, Co Limerick.

In eventing, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt notched up a double at Ballygraffan, Co Down, yesterday.