KILKENNY’s Jack Ryan has had a relatively quiet start to 2023 getting to know some new horses at Jos Lansink’s base in Belgium.

Last weekend he scored his first Grand Prix win of the year when landing a two-star victory at Lier with the nine-year-old stallion Baloe HP.

The Swedish-bred bay by Balou du Rouet joined Ryan’s string in February having previously been campaigned by his American owner Katherine Strauss up to four-star level. The combination got their partnership underway in Vejer de la Frontera and last weekend was their first international win together.

From 42 starters, they were one of six to make it through to the jump-off, where just three were clear second time out.

Ryan produced the fastest round in 40.94 seconds, over two seconds faster than USA’s runner-up Nikki Ritter with Aquiles Del Caribe Z (0/0 42.12). The winners earned €5,135.

“He’s a new horse I have this year, he’s very nice, easy to ride and has a fantastic temperament. I had him at the Sunshine Tour at the beginning of the year where he jumped some very good rounds.

“He looks to have everything to go a long way in the sport,” Ryan told The Irish Field.