Ireland’s Cian O’Connor guided the 12-year-old Copain du Perchet (Conteur x Ragazzo) to victory in Friay’s first class in Rotterdam, a 1.50 speed class that attracted 55 starters. O’Connor crossed the finish line on a clean sheet in 64.87 seconds.

“He is a lovely horse, very balanced and quite easy to go quick on. I just got him this year and he won a class in Treffen too so he is consistent and I am very happy with him. It was a competitive class and he won it well.”

Second place went to Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Hermes de Mariposa (Canturo x Power Light) 0,43 seconds behind O’Connor. The Irish riders dominated the prize giving ceremony as Shane Breen ended third place with Laith (Lord Z x Weinberg)  and Darragh Kenny took fourth place with C’Est Beau (Calido I x Grannus ). Fifth place went to Doron Kuipers (NED) and Charley (Calido I x Askari).