Denis Lynch seals spot in the World Cup final decider at Bordeaux
The Tipperary rider and All Star 5 joined 16 rivals in the jump-off of a competition filled with tension as riders battled to book a place in next month’s final in Gothenburg.
Seventh into the ring, Lynch and the stallion produced another smooth clear to ultimately finish fifth on the night, leaving him in eighth place on the Western European League, with the top 18 going forward to Sweden.
The result also boosts Lynch’s bid to secure a spot for Ireland in the Olympics. The latest Olympic rankings, published Friday, show him on course to earn one place, with Bertram Allen also in line to win a place.
However, it was a disappointing outing for the latter in Bordeaux, a single error in the first round putting the Wexford rider out of contention.
The 20-year-old is going through a lean patch — falling to ninth in the latest Longines World Rankings — and will be hopeful of an improvement to guarantee Ireland a ticket to Rio de Janeiro when the Olympic qualification window closes on March 6.
French fans had much to celebrate in Bordeaux, with Kevin Staut and his 15-year-old gelding Reveur de Hurtebise HDC bringing the spectators to their feet with their first major victory for some time.
In doing so, the 35-year-old denied his compatriot Simon Delestre aboard Qlassic Bois Margot.
Meanwhile, Shane Sweetnam led Ireland to three of the top four positions in Saturday’s feature class at the $9m Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.
The Corkman secured the win with Buckle Up, a 10-year-old gelding that only arrived in Sweetnam’s stables less than a month ago.
Olympic bronze medallist Cian O’Connor was first to take on the jump-off course and finished as runner-up with Callisto, producing the only other double clear of the competition, while Clare’s David Blake and Binkie placed fourth after only a quartet of riders produced first-round clears from 37 starters.
Meanwhile, Kildare-born dressage rider Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K are also on course to secure a place for Ireland in the Olympics.
There are six places available through the world rankings, with two likely go to Danish combinations. Of the four remaining places, Reynolds currently holds third.
