Cian O'Connor and his Waterford Crystal were pipped for glory in Sunday's Grand Prix in Frankfurt, but their second-place finish meant that they ended the meeting as Leading Rider and Leading Horse over the four days of international action.
Ten competitors made it through to the jump-off and O'Connor took the lead with just five riders left, going clear in 36.43. However, an outstanding round by German Tzark Nagel on Cash, who stopped the clock dead on 35.00, robbed the Irish combination of outright victory.
Though disappointed not to have won the event, O'Connor was delighted with the Leading Rider award at the event and the Leading Horse accolade for Waterford Crystal, who has responded superbly to being put under speed pressure.
"Lately I've been going against the clock with him and I'm absolutely delighted with the horse," said the Meath-based rider.
Over the four days of competition, O'Connor recorded a victory on Zanoubia, a third placing on Irish Independent Echo Beach, and two second placings and a fifth spot on Waterford Crystal.
