O’Connor maintains form in Rome

CIAN O’CONNOR’S run of form at the Nations Cup show in Rome continued yesterday when he claimed his fourth victory.

ABC Landliebe again proved the winning ride, the Meath-based rider leaving Belgian Ludo Phillippaerts in his wake as the 10-year-old mare sealed her hat-trick.

She also carried O’Connor to victory in a 1.45m class on Saturday after the Olympic short-listed rider opened his account the previous day with a speed class triumph. O’Connor, who posted a double clear in the Nations Cup in which Ireland finished a disappointing sixth, shared victory in the Puissance on Saturday with Dacapo. Army show jumper Lt David O’Brien capitalised on the failings of the league leaders yesterday, when winning the grand prix at Rolestown show.

Last to go, O’Brien, riding Carraig Dubh, knocked a full three seconds off the target time set by his predecessor in the arena, Eddie Moloney (Kilmoylan Warrior).