Showjumping: Richard Howley secured a second five-star victory in a matter of weeks in Mexico, after delivering with Mansini Ltd in the 1.45m ranking class of the Major League Show Jumping series in Monterrey last Sunday.
On a day when a legend of Irish showjumping, the great Con Power died, it was fitting that the Irish were doing the business around the globe, as Frano Derwin was also victorious, edging out Max Wachman in a thrilling three-star class in Spain.
Howley was successful at five-star level with Zodiak Du Buisson Z in Coapexpan last month and he was at it again, this time at the La Silla complex, as Mansini Ltd scored with an electric jump-off round.
The Enniscrone pilot and his 15-year-old partner galloped to a clear round in 41.06 seconds, which was almost a second and a half quicker than runner-up Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Derby De Riverland.
This came 24 hours after Howley and Zodiak were key contributors to the Roadrunners’ MJLS team success.
“It was a great win this morning,” said Howley. “Mansini has been a fantastic horse for me. He’s a true winner. He always tries his best and when I give him the right instructions, he always tries to deliver.
“It was a very competitive jump-off class with some of the best riders and horses in the world. So it’s always a pleasure and an honour to win at these five-star shows and to win with the Roadrunners last night too.”
Kaitlin Campbell (USA) with Armentos and Erynn Ballard (CAN) riding Fave D’authuit also left every rail intact to ensure another victory for the Roadrunners and maintain their lead at the top of the standings.
