O’Connor achieves first grand prix placing with Carolus Z

Show jumper Cian O’Connor was “pretty happy” after achieving his first grand prix placing with Carolus Z at the $8m FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

The Meath-based rider had reason to love the 11-year-old gelding when second to American Kent Farrington in the $84,000 St Valentine’s Day contest.

“It’s the first grand prix placing with him, so I’m pretty happy,” O’Connor said. “I knew it was going to be mission impossible to beat Kent, so I just tried to jump a clear round and hopefully hold on for second place. It was great prize money tonight, so thanks very much to the sponsor.