THERE were multiple highlights for the Irish at the weekend competitions at Ocala in Florida.

Thursday’s four-star $117,000 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier saw Irish riders secure two podium placings, with Simon McCarthy on Gotcha finishing as runners-up, when jumping double clear in 34.54 seconds.

They were only bettered by Kent Farrington (USA) on Grass De Mars, who finished just over half a second ahead in 33.97. Philip McGuane on Orphea HQ placed third (35.61) and also took 10th place with Edgard De Prefontaine (39.75).

On Sunday, McGuane and Linguini De La Pomme won the two-star $65,000 1.45m Grand Prix, jumping double clear in a jump-off time of 38.07 seconds. There were 34 on the start list, with 11 making it through to the jump-off.

McGuane was more than a second ahead of runner-up Lucy Deslauriers (USA) on Starlet (39.27). Jonathan Corrigan on Darius De Kerglenn followed in fifth place (40.92).

McGuane said of his mount: “She came to Evergate Stables two-and-a-half years ago now. She is ridden by both me and Nayel Nassar. She has won multiple classes - 1.45m and 1.50m - for the both of us. She’s honestly an awesome horse just to have in the barn.”

In the ribbons

Week nine of the winter schedule at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, Florida commenced on Wednesday, February 26th, with Philip McGuane placing ninth in the two-star $1,000 1.40m two-phase class on Lady van de Krekel.

McGuane then placed fifth in the four-star $1,000 1.40m two-phase class with Edgard De Prefontaine and also placed ninth with Orphea HQ.

The four-star $32,000 1.45m two-phase special saw Simon McCarthy on Gotcha finish fourth, followed by Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay in fifth and Conor O’Regan on Big Boy Z in 10th. The last named then placed ninth in the $1,000 1.35m Jumper class on Quitero Z.

Thursday began with McGuane and Linguini De La Pomme placing third in the two-star $32,000 1.45m speed class, followed by Richie Moloney on Ermes Di Tai in sixth.

Darragh Kerins on RSK Quality Cruise placed eighth in Thursday’s $1,500 1.40m Jumper class and then claimed third place in the $1,500 1.45m Jumper class with Proud Mary.

Friday’s two-star $32,000 1.45m Grand Prix qualifier saw Jonathan Corrigan on Tricolor Mb placing eighth.

O’Regan placed fifth in the four-star $32,000 1.45m Winning Round class with Big Boy Z, while Kerins on RSK Quality Cruise won the $1,500 1.45m Jumper class and then placed third in Saturday’s $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic on Proud Mary.

Moloney and Rocksy Music won the four-star $32,000 1.45m speed class, with O’Regan slotting into fifth place with Big Boy Z. Meanwhile, Corrigan rode Ritual Vitseroel to win the two-star $10,000 1.45m speed class, with O’Regan placing fifth with Carmen De Bonnieres.

The four-star $200,000 1.55m Grand Prix saw Blanchette place fifth on board Chardonnay.