Shane Breen put in a brilliant performance at Vilamoura in Portugal to clinch the Grand Prix with the 12-year-old gelding Z7 Ipswich.
Just six of the 60 starters managed to jump clear in the opening round, with Breen posting what proved the winning clear in 40.41 seconds in the second round jump-off to collect almost €13,000. Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Conchento PS finished as runners-up with the only other double clear of the competition. Galway’s Michael Duffy looked set to take the win when last to go with Zilton Sl Z. They were ahead on the clock jumping the last fence however they knocked the final obstacle and had to settle for third place at the finish.
It topped off a successful week for Shane – Z7 Ipswich kicked off week four of the Vilamoura Champions Tour by taking the win in the opening 3* 1.45 ranking class on Thursday. It was a great day in the sunshine for Shane who also took 10th spot in the 3* 1.40 aboard Haya.
Taking the time for some training rounds, Shane and Vistogrand were clear in the 3* 1.20 on Friday and Chacco’s Lando also clear in the 1.10. Elsewhere, Georgia was clear aboard Lady Star Van Dorperheide in the 1.35 and took 5th place with Quintella in that same class. Also in the 1.35, Jack and Cuick Star Kervec were clear to finish in the money.
On Saturday, Shane and Chacco’s Lando had another lovely clear round in the 1.10 while Georgia and favourite, Clyde VA were clear for a prize money finish in the 1.35 Accumulator. Grand Prix Sunday brought sunny and perfect conditions for the day’s main event, before kick off – Georgia cinched 2nd place in a tightly fought 3* 1.30 on board the in form Quintella. Capitalising on his earlier success earlier in the week, Shane and Z7 Ipswich were one of only 6 clears in the first round of the 60 strong 3* 1.50 Grand Prix.
