Meath’s Cian O’Connor has recorded Ireland’s second win of the week at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen after he partnered Diego to victory in the Yageo-Prize Speed Derby over ditches and banks.
O’Connor and the 11-year-old gelding were comfortable winners, finishing almost three seconds faster than German runner-up Felix Hassmann with SL Brazonado.
Waterford’s Peter Moloney also featured among the prizes when taking fifth place with Ghana.
t is the fourth time in succession that an Irish rider has won this particular competition in Aachen, with O’Connor completing his own hat-trick. He previously took victory in 2016 and 2017 while fellow Irish rider Shane Sweetnam came out on top 12 months ago.
On Wednesday, Offaly’s Darragh Kenny got Ireland off to a winning start in Aachen when winning the curtain opening speed class with Cazador LS.
Kenny, Moloney, O’Connor and Sweetnam were all part of the Irish team that finished fourth in Thursday night’s Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup in Aachen where victory went to Sweden.
The Aachen Grand Prix, which is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, takes place on Sunday.
Written by Brian Hennessy
