Breen makes presence felt again

TIPPERARY show jumper Shane Breen made his presence felt again on day two of the Hickstead Derby meeting, placing second and third in the two main classes.

In the afternoon’s Bunn Leisure Derby Trial, Breen achieved the fastest time with the Irish-bred gelding Mullaghdrin Gold Rain in a five-horse jump-off, but it came at a cost of four faults, which left him in third place.

Former Irish rider Peter Charles and Murka’s Vindicat W provided the fastest of only two clear rounds in the 1.60m contest, with the second supplied by reigning Derby champion Guy Williams on Skip Two Ramiro.

Breen’s younger brother Trevor placed eighth with Adventure de Kannan, a single error keeping him out of the jump-off.

To emphasise William’s threat ahead of tomorrow’s famous Derby, the British number one also won yesterday’s Hickstead Master’s Challenge on Titus.

It meant that Breen and the chestnut mare Magic Fox — winners on the opening day — had to settle for a share of the runner-up spot at the West Sussex venue, where he is based. Joining him in second place was Nick Charles and Murka’s Midnight Lady, who provided the exact same time in the one-round class.

Breen will be aiming to improve today on the third place he achieved last year with Magic Fox in the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby.

Elsewhere today, Irish riders Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch will be aiming to claim some of the riches on offer in the Global Champions Tour at Monte Carlo.

Meanwhile, entrepreneur Denis O’Brien is to sponsor Para Equestrian Ireland (PEI) to the tune of €70,000 over two years.

Para equestrian permits people with disabilities to compete in classes according to the level of their physical disability, in both dressage and carriage driving.

Mr O’Brien is keen to follow the progress of riders in the run-up to the European Championships in September, when they will bid to qualify for next summer’s Paralympic Games.

“I am delighted to offer my support to Para Equestrian Ireland for the next two years. It is a wonderful organisation and I wish all the riders the very best of luck at competitions this season,” he said.

Mr O’Brien is owner of independent radio station Newstalk 106, while his telecommunications company, Digicel, has a presence in 32 countries and clocked up profits of €664m last year.