Irish riders dominated today's 1m55 five-star Longines World Cup Grand Prix at Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates as a superb performance from Kildare’s Mikey Pender and the 13-year-old gelding HHS Calais (ISH) bred in Kilkenny by Ita Brennan saw them take victory after a thrilling jump-off against the clock.
Tipperary’s Shane Breen who took the lead with the 11-year-old gelding Scarteen (Cardento x Chellano Z) when clear in 51.64 seconds.
Breen was eventually overtaken by fellow countryman Pender, who crossed the line clear in 50.39 with a brilliant round when second-last to go.
Pender had a nervous wait before being declared the winner, after Belgium’s Celine Schoonbroodt-De Azevedo and Deesse des Embruns produced a great effort as last to go, jumping clear in 50.70 to take runner-up spot, pushing Breen into third place on the podium.
Pender took home just over €54,000 for his World Cup win while Breen collected almost €25,000 for his third place finish.
Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally said: "This was a fantastic result to see an Irish horse and Irish rider take a five-star World Cup win in the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East has been a very popular market for Irish horses, with many high-profile sales over the last few years.
"Performances such as this one today from HHS Calais (ISH) once again highlight the exceptional talent of Irish horses, who continue to win at the very highest level."
