Kurten wins in Zurich

Jessica Kurten has won on 'Miribel D'Auvray' in the Wegelin Challenge speed competition this evening.

Though consistently in the prize money yesterday, Irish riders failed to break through with an outright win at the five-star show in Zurich until tonight.

Beating Swiss challenger Martin Fuchs and France's always-dangerous Kevin Staut to the €6,800 first prize in a field of 20 starters, the 40-year-old Antrim-born rider powered Lady Georgina Forbes's chestnut mare across the line with half a second to spare over the Swiss runner-up.

All eyes will now be focused on tomorrow's Rolex World Cup Qualifier competition, where Kurten will attempt to repeat the magic of her 2009 win with 'Castle Forbes Libertina'.

Ireland's Billy Twomey and Denis Lynch are also in the hunt for the top prize of a Mercedes car, which is worth €50,000.

SHOW JUMPING RESULTS: CSI5*-W ZURICH SWITZERLAND JANUARY 29 - 31 2010

Wegelin Challenge International Jumping Competition

Table A

FEI Art. 238.2.1, 1m40

Saturday, January 30, 2010

1) Miribel D'Auvray; Jessica Kurten (IRL) Faults 0.00 Time 53.11

2) Riot Gun; Martin Fuchs (SUI) Faults 0.00 Time 53.62

3) Pin Ball 4; Kevin Staut (FRA) Faults 0.00 Time 54.26