Irish show jumpers going for glory under a New York sky

The Manhattan skyline provides the backdrop to this week’s showpiece event on the North American circuit as the fourth staging of the the Rolex Central Park Horse Show gets underway at the Wollman Rink today.

Shane Sweetnam, Richie Moloney, Darragh Kerins, Paul O’Shea and Brian Cournane provide the Irish show jumping interest. Top US riders Kent Farrington, who is currently ranked number one in the world, and McLain Ward, ranked number three, are among those who will be aiming to keep the prize money in American hands.

“It’s an unbelievable experience right there under the skyline,” says Sweetnam, who has competed at the event every year since its inception. “It’s one of a kind.”