Opening round error proves costly for Lynch in Abu Dhabi
The 36-year-old slipped to fifth in the league leaderboard, but could count on winning €165,583 during the GCT season that saw the German-based Tipp rider place 3rd in Valencia, Spain, 6th in Monaco, France, 8th in Estoril, Portugal, and 7th in Chantilly, France.
Lynch’s four faults with the nine-year-old stallion All Star came at the fourth fence.
However, over the weekend, he did notch up a number of good placings on Night Train.
Saturday’s grand prix saw Ukrainian Katharina Offel and Fidji Island beat Dutch double Olympic silver medallist Gerco Schroder on Eurocommerce London.
The big winner, however, was Edwina Tops-Alexander on Cevo Itot du Chateau, the pairing making history when taking their second GCT title in a row, pocketing almost €300,000.
The Australian and Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (Casall La Silla) were on equal points going into the final and, amazingly, both riders had 4 faults at fence number 11 in a pattern that saw them also lower the same fence in a competition two days previously and at a recent World Cup qualifier.
Tops-Alexander claimed the title, having posted a win at the start of the season, while her rival could only count on being second three times this season.
Meanwhile, Wexford’s Bertram Allen continues to enhance his reputation, winning the Junior Grand Prix on Ajacio at Neeroeteren in Belgium. Last month, the 17-year-old won the grand prix at Moorsele in Belgium.
Allen’s younger sister Grace also featured at the weekend, placing fourth in the pony grand prix on Cassandra van het Roelhof, while also scoring a win in a jump-off class.
Galway’s 16-year-old Michael Duffy was also in the ribbons in both the pony and junior classes.
In La Mandria, Italy, 42-year-old Kildare rider Niall Talbot rode Nicos de la Cence to fifth place in the two-star Grand Prix.
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