Two Wins For Ireland In Nations Cup Opening Classes

Irish riders today clocked up wins in the opening classes of the two European Nations' Cup shows at La Baule in France and Odense in Denmark.

Former World Champion Dermott Lennon took victory in La Baule aboard his 12 year-old gelding Vampire, finishing with well over two seconds in hand over Swiss runner-up, Olympic medallist Pius Schwizer and the mare Rafale des Forets.

Mayo's Cameron Hanley also took a ninth place in the five-star opening class on the gelding Player du Quesnoy.

At Odense in Denmark earlier today 17 year-old Michael Duffy from Mayo emerged victorious from a huge 124 strong class, riding Dorthe Kristiansen's grey mare Eminent, while Army rider Capt. Michael Kelly placed third with the Minister for Defence's Irish Sport Horse Mullentine Loughgall in the three-star competition.

Both the French and Danish Nations' Cups take place on Friday, and Ireland's teams for the competitions will be announced later today.