Equestrian: Lynch hits top spot as Lantinus returns
Denis Lynch. Photo: Getty Images
Wednesday June 09 2010
Denis Lynch is heading the leaderboard in the DKB Rider's Tour following his second-place finish in last Sunday's Grand Prix at Balve, Germany.
The Tipperary-born rider, 13th in the world rankings, finished eighth at the opening round in Hamburg before winning the second leg at Wiesbaden last month.
He brought his Olympic ride, Lantinus, out for his first big outdoor appearance of the year at Balve last weekend and was just pipped by Holland's Albert Zoer.
However, the result has given the Irishman a hefty 18-point advantage over his nearest rival, Germany's Heiko Schmidt, at the half-way stage of the six-leg series.
The German-based Rider's Tour -- created by horse producer, businessman and former rider Paul Schockemohle -- has a prize fund of €105,000 at each of its six events, which continue at Paderborn in September, the German Classics in Hannover in October and finally at the Munich Masters in November.
important
Now somewhat overshadowed by the Global Champions Tour, which offers €300,000 in each of its nine rounds, the Rider's Tour is still considered one of the most important series on the international show jumping calendar.
At home last Monday, Irish riders were forced to concede defeat in the Grand Prix at the 2 Star international fixture at Mullingar Equestrian Centre, where Britain's Vicky Tulloch pipped Limerick man Paul O'Shea by more than a second in the eight-horse jump-off.
The English raider also won Sunday's main Speed class with her Grand Prix-winning 11-year- old mare Soliegette, while Waterford's Tholm Keane claimed Saturday's 1.40m jump-off with Warrenstown You 2.
Meanwhile, there was cause for celebration in the Irish junior ranks over the weekend after the second consecutive victory of the season for the pony team in the Nations Cup at Wierden in Holland.
Bertram Allen and Acapella contributed a superb double-clear performance, while Kate MacDonagh (Imagine If One) had just one fence down in the second round.
Shane Kenny (More Clover) followed a double-error first effort with a clear, and anchorman Tom Foley, clear first time out with Dibidoe, did not have to return to the ring in round two because the Irish had already clinched a clear victory ahead of Belgium in second and Holland in third place.
- Louise Parkes
Irish Independent
