Worldwide showjumping information – Michael Duffy wins first 5* grand prix

This week’s worldwide showjumping information headlines revolve round Irish rider Michael Duffy dedicating an emotional first five-star grand prix win at Miami Seashore, USA, to his good friend Jack Dodd, who died in 2018.

Learn on for a spherical up of this week’s worldwide showjumping information and outcomes.

Showjumping information: ‘This one’s for you, Jack Dodd’

Miami Seashore as soon as once more pulled out all of the stops for the second leg of Longines International Champions Tour, however feelings ran excessive after Eire’s Michael Duffy, the winner of Saturday’s grand prix, devoted his first five-star grand prix success to his shut good friend Jack Dodd, who died in a automobile accident six years in the past on the age of 25.

“I gained my first five-star grand prix and I need to dedicate this to Trish and David Dodd, mother and father of my good friend at dwelling [Jack Dodd] who handed away,” stated Michael.

From 9 jump-off contenders, Michael and comparatively new journey, the 12-year-old Claptonn Mouche, produced the one double clear to take high honours, forward of Max Kühner and EIC Cooley Bounce, with France’s Julien Anquetin and Blood Diamond Du Pont in third because the quickest of the four-faulters.

“It’s been some time coming now, it’s in all probability about time we received our fingers out and did one thing,” stated Michael. “It’s wonderful, I’m a bit misplaced for phrases… I’m not the most important talker however much more so this time. I’ve no phrases.

“It’s robust leaping right here, it’s so delicate. I wished to be as fast as I can and go away the jumps as much as get the job carried out.”

Cian O’Connor, pictured aboard Fancy de Kergane, earned the general main worldwide rider award, introduced by Martha W. Jolicoeur with Michael and Wendy Smith, following constant performances all through the 2024 Winter Equestrian Pageant in Wellington, Florida. Picture by Sportfot.

WEF Main rider award to Cian O’Connor

One other Irish showjumper was celebrating this week as Cian O’Connor claimed the general main worldwide rider award, introduced by Martha W Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman with Michael and Wendy Smith, in recognition of his constant performances throughout the 2024 Winter Equestrian Pageant (WEF) in Wellington, Florida.

Margie Goldstein-Engle of USA took second, with one other Irish rider, Shane Sweetnam, ending third within the standings.

“We had an unbelievable winter in Florida,” stated Cian. “The horses carried out very well and that’s due to all of their house owners – Sue and John Magnier, Sarah Stoute, Nikki Walker, and Pat Crean. All our horses jumped outstandingly and I used to be delighted to have gained the title of main worldwide rider of the WEF circuit.

Lorenzo De Luca helps the Rome Gladiators win the GCL of Miami Seashore with a transparent on Cappuccino 194.

“All credit score should go to the good staff behind the scenes, from everyone within the secure who places within the laborious work, day in and time out, to all of my help employees, and everyone else who contributes to the Karlswood staff. I’m extraordinarily grateful to each considered one of them.”

Showjumping information: Rome Gladiators win GCL of Miami

And at last on this week’s worldwide showjumping information round-up, the International Champions League (GCL) of Miami Seashore, held in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, was gained by the Rome Gladiators squad of Michael Duffy, Laura Kraut and Lorenzo De Luca. The squad climbed the chief board in spherical two to high the rostrum.

“We’re each new to the Rome Gladiators this yr, though we have been former Gladiators, we’re again for 2024!” stated Laura, who jumped clear with Bisquetta, with team-mate Lorenzo on Cappuccino 194 in spherical two. “I like being at dwelling and it’s actually enjoyable to have the group right here watching and cheering for me.”

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H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her position as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her all over the world reporting from exhibits and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a using teacher and yard supervisor.