Showjumping: Irish celebrate opening day win

Irish pair Kevin Babington and Carling King galloped to victory in the Virtual Village British Grand Prix at Hickstead.

The Irish pair snatched victory by 0.42 seconds on the opening day of the Royal International Horse Show.

With a sharp target of 59.47 seconds set by Germany's Rene Tebbel and Stiegelmaier's Radiator, Babington had to step on the throttle.

Carling King answered every question by negotiating the turns at speed to clear the eight jump off fences with time to spare.

"I knew my horse had a chance because it was an open galloping track," said Babington. "He was able to keep a good rhythm."

The Hampshire-based Irishman Peter Charles, another member of the victorious Arnhem side, took third on British-bred Traxdata Carnavelly.

John Whitaker and Virtual Village Calvaro, last year's Grand Prix winners and the only British pair in the final, could only finish sixth after lowering two fences.

However, brother Michael did taste success, taking the Virtual Village Chase on his new ride, Virtual Village First Samuel with 0.32 seconds to spare over Irishman Robert Power and Honnie.