Moloney joins O’Connor at top of Autumn League

Back-to-back wins in the Gain/Alltech Autumn League have moved Eddie Moloney alongside Cian O’Connor at the top of the leaderboard with just the final remaining.

Moloney steered Goodwins 007 to victory in Killossery last weekend and repeated the performance with the OBOS Quality-sired gelding on Saturday at the Wexford Equestrian Centre, the Kilkenny rider crossing the finish line almost three seconds faster than Waterford’s Francis Connors on Heracross in a 10-horse jump-off.

The only other double clear came from third-placed Capt Michael Kelly with Ringwood Abbey.

Moloney will be aiming for a hat-trick next Friday at Cavan International Show, but O’Connor yesterday said he will be doing his best to stop his rival adding to his Premier Series title.

“Gain are a sponsor of mine, so I certainly won’t be handing it to him on a plate,” said the Olympic bronze medallist.

There was no luck for Irish riders in the World Cup either side of the Atlantic at the weekend.

Four faults for Shane Sweetnam and Amaretto D’Arco in the opening round denied the Corkman a major share of the $250,000 on offer in Saturday’s qualifier at the Alltech National Horse Show in Kentucky, USA.

The Kanturk native placed 11th on an emotional night that saw American McLain Ward pilote Antares F to victory just days after his father Barney died.

Sweetnam’s best result saw him ride Cyklon to second place in Thursday’s $50,000 speed class, having just watched Richie Moloney — brother of Eddie — pocketed $15,000 dollars when second with Slieveanorra in a jump-off class.