A FANTASTIC performance from Tipperary’s Denis Lynch and the 13-year-old gelding Brooklyn Heights saw them claim a historic win in today’s (Sunday) hugely prestigious €450,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Rome at the Piazza Di Siena in Italy.

Denis Lynch becomes the first Irish rider to win the Rome Grand Prix on two occasions. Lynch himself was the last Irish winner of the Rome Grand Prix with the great Lantinus in 2008. The only other Irish winners of one of the most famous trophies in world show jumping being Eddie Macken with Boomerang in 1978, William Ringrose with Loch an Easpaig in 1961 and John Lewis with Limerick Lace in 1938.

Lynch and Brooklyn Heights, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, were one of 13 combinations to make it into the second round. They had the fastest time in the first round which gave them the best draw as last to go against the clock.

German rider Jana Wargers and Limbridge had set a target of clear in 43.19 seconds and many of the top combinations that followed failed to beat their time.

However, Lynch and Brooklyn Heights produced an outstanding round as the final combination and crossed the line clear in 42.52 to claim the winner's trophy and a first prize of €112,500.

Wargers and Limbridge finished as runners-up while Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci and Cochello took third place on the podium to the delight of the watching Italian fans.

The Grand Prix of Rome scoreboard with Ireland's Denis Lynch in first place with Molly Ohrstrom's Brooklyn Heights \ Courtesy of HSI

Source: Horse Sport Ireland press release