Hough shrugs off disappointing Nations Cup to take Grand Prix

LAUREN Hough knew there was room for improvement on her poor performance in Friday’s Nations Cup at the Discover Ireland Horse Show and proved it emphatically yesterday by winning the €200,000 Longines Grand Prix on a day when America dominated.

The Californian had posted the third worst score in showcase team contest with 10 faults, but there was no sign of such carelessness yesterday as she easily triumphed over her main challenger French veteran Michel Robert on Kellemoi De Pepita.

“I was really disappointed with my second round in the nations cup, but I had a really good feeling before today’s grand prix,” said Hough, who was on her fourth visit to the show. “I’ve had Quick Study since he was seven and he has always been a bit of a challenge, but I changed the bit I use on him and he has really grown up.”