News in brief

Four-star win for Jessica Burke

GALWAY show jumper Jessica Burke landed a four-star win in St Lô, France last weekend. Riding Liam Nicholas’s home-bred gelding Express Trend (Future Trend x Condios), Burke was the best of 12 starters when clear all the way in a time of 29.63 seconds to win €3,000.

The British-based rider then finished fifth in Sunday’s 1.55m four-star Grand Prix when one of five double clears in the seven-horse jump-off with the nine-year-old mare Nikey HH, also owned by Nicholas. The pair were clear in 38.61 seconds to collect €6,600. Victory went to Frenchman Julien Epaillard with Caracole de la Roque (0/0 33.55).

Billy Twomey third in Vejer de la Frontera three-star Grand Prix

CORK’s Billy Twomey finished third in the three-star Grand Prix in Vejer de la Frontera aboard Chat Botte ED. In a big 16-horse jump-off, the pair was one of six clear rounds in a time of 45.76 second to earn €7,700. Dermott Lennon finished seventh after a fence down in the jump-off with L’Esprit Hero Z in 43.48 seconds. By Lexicon, the 11-year-old gelding was bred by Gerry Marron and Luc Henry out of Ikea van’t Roosakker.

Garrigan third in Leeuwarden

DUBLIN’S Matt Garrigan finished third in the three-star Grand Prix of Leeuwarden in The Netherlands. He guided the Irish Sport Horse (Pacino x Cavalier Royale), bred by Anne Hughes, to one of five double clears in 32.76 seconds, picking up €7,800 in prize money. Victory went to Dutchman Willen Greve, while Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan finished seventh aboard Guppie VDL (0/4 34.09).