Kurten fifth on Libertina return

An eagerly awaited return to international competition by 'Castle
Forbes Libertina' resulted in a fifth place for Jessica Kurten at the
four-star show in Porto, Portugalon Friday night.

The 40-year-old Antrim-born rider was giving Lady Georgina Forbes's talented mare its first outing after a long lay-off due to injury, and produced a classic double clear round in the 14-horse jump-off, one of only five to do so from a starting field of 67 competitors.

Though almost ten seconds off the pace of Austrian winner Hugo Simon, Kurten collected €1,400 for her place.

A total of €46,000 will be up for grabs, however, at Porto's Grand
Prix, which is scheduled for Sunday.