Punchestown International Three Day Event & Horse Show

New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson riding Sidbury Hill narrowly won the feature CCI 3 star class at the Irish Horse Board Three Day Event in Punchestown yesterday.  Andrew had to waiting seventeen years since his last victory in Punchestown when he won on Spinning Rhombus in 1990.

Andrew riding two of only six clear rounds in Saturday’s Cross-Country had only 0.8 of a penalty to spare on 60.2 over runner-up Oliver Townsend after incurring 11 penalty points (8 jumping and 3 time) in Sunday’s Showjumping.

Ireland’s Niall Griffin had a disappointing last day as his 20 penalty points riding Lorgaine relegated him from 2nd overnight to 5th overall.

Saturday’s Cross-Country phase produced plenty of drama with 11 of the 31 starters failing to negotiate the track including the leader after the dressage Paul Stockton on Regulus.

There was joy for the Irish in the Fلilte Ireland 2 star class as Limerick man Michael Ryan came from 2nd overnight to win on Master Mexico. Oliver Townsend riding Jackson D’Allez had once again to settle for the runner’s up position.

The One-Star CCI was won by Britain’s Matthew Wright riding Noisette des Pres.

For further information: Ros Murphy 087-8532332