O’Connor lands Beijing World Cup on a borrowed horse

Show jumper Cian O’Connor boosted the efforts of Ireland’s horse industry to break into the emerging Chinese market by winning the Beijing World Cup yesterday.

The Olympic bronze medallist was the first foreign rider to lift the top prize and he did so on a borrowed horse.

“I am absolutely thrilled to win this major event here and perhaps contribute to the very encouraging relationship which is emerging between China and Ireland in regard to our respective horse industries,” said the Meath-based 32-year-old, who flew home last night.