Denis Lynch and Cian O’Connor topped some stiff opposition at Grand Prix events on both sides of the Atlantic. Lynch began his weekend in Braunschweig, Germany, with a first in the qualifier with Abbervail van het Dingeshof.

Then drawing third last to go in Sunday’s Volkswagen Grand Prix, he was clear again to join 11 others in a tough jump-off that yielded just five double clears. Second last to go this time, he had to beat the time set by Sweden’s Henrik Von Eckermann – 37.14. He did it in fine style as he and Abbervail crossed the line in 36.04 for a convincing win. Meanwhile, Cian O’Connor brought out his new ride, Adena Springs’ nine-year-old stallion Good Luck, to win the Live Oak Grand Prix in Ocala, Florida.

They had the only double clear in the 46-starter competition to take the top spot in a two-way jump-off with USA’s Beezie Madden. Capt Michael Kelly continued his good run of form in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, when slotting his previous week’s Irish-bred winner, Drumiller Lough, into a jump-off second behind Britain’s Guy William. Alex Duffy came third to Williams in the Invitational Grand Prix.