O’Connor has plenty of reason for optimism

Cian O’Connor’s improving relationship with his new horse Blue Loyd has given him cause for optimism heading into today’s $125,000 World Cup class at Florida’s FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

The Meath-based rider and the gelding posted a jumping clear at a cost of a single time fault to be among 45 to progress to tonight’s feature from Thursday night’s 107-strong qualifier, which was split into two classes. Irish interest is strong, with Kilkenny’s Richie Moloney on Slieveanorra also through after winning Section B, with Cork’s Shane Sweetnam (Amaretto D’Arco) placing 10th, while Darragh Kenny on Wannahave finished third in Section A.

O’Connor bought Blue Loyd from a Norwegian rider in November and Thursday performance is a sign of the gelding’s growing trust in his new rider, manifested by a rapid diminishing of his previous headstrong approach to each fence.