Lynch victorious in Aachen

Denis Lynch today won the prestigious Aachen Grand Prix in Germany on Flaminia Straumann's bay gelding 'Lantinus'.

He is only the third Irish rider to win the competition in recent times, following in the footsteps of Trevor Coyle in 1999 and Eddie Macken in 1978.

Lynch clinched victory in a jump-off against Australia's Edwina Alexander, France's Philip LeJeune and German Olympic gold medallist Marcus Ehning.

The latter had a faster time than Tipperary-native Lynch, but he dislodged a pole to finish third on four faults.

Lynch will collect €115,000 for his efforts, and was praised by Ireland Team Manager Robert Splaine afterwards.

'This is a fantastic achievement for Denis, winning one of the world's greatest Grands Prix,' said Splaine.

'He has shown tremendous commitment, and his win today is a great boost for Irish show jumping.'