Five-star Lou-Lou carries Lennon to victory

“Today was her day,” declared show jumper Dermott Lennon of Loughview Lou-Lou after she carried him to victory last night in the five-star grand prix in Gijon, Spain.

One of 11 to make the jump-off from a starting field of 45, he piloted Judith Sossick’s 14-year-old mare across the finish line clear and almost nine-tenths of a second faster than his nearest rival to pocket almost €51,000. The former world champion said Loughview Lou-Lou, who has provided him with many reasons to celebrate since he took up the reins five years ago, was due another notable day.

“I’m delighted, she jumped super. She’s still very good. She was a bit unlucky in the grand prix in Dublin, with one down, and she had one down in the jump-off a couple of days here, but overall she’s been jumping super and today was her day.