Edwin Smits' top horse Copain du Perchet CH has been sold, and it will be Cian O'Connor taking over the reins. 

With Smits in the saddle, the 12-year-old stallion by Conteur x Ragazzo had a very good 2016-season with a two-star Grand Prix win in Mijas and a third place from the five-star Nations Cup in Al Ain as two of the highlights. 

"Thank you so much Copain for all the great moments we had together. Thanks a lot Philippe Membrez and Sonia Membrez-Emery for giving me the chance to ride this amazing horse over the last few years. Now it's time to say goodbye. I wish Cian O'Conner all the best with his newest acquisition," Smits writes on his Facebook page. 

O'Connor plans to start up with his new ride at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, and states on his Facebook page: "Looking forward to building up a good partnership with Copain in Wellington!"

Source: Edwin Smits and Cian O'Connor's Facebook pages // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson