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TRI Equestrian Press Release February 14th 2011

Meath based John Floody took no prisoners today in the Kildare International sponsored  opening round of the HSI Chippison  Spring Tour at the Kildare venue by picking up where he took off in last years tour.  Leading rider last year he also rode the leading horse and leading Irish horse, Floody had a double celebration having celebrated his birthday last Tuesday and winning the first round today.

40 of the 42 entrants started with course builder Tom Holden securing 15 into the 2nd round on a competitive but fair track for this time of year.

The standard was set by 2nd in Ger O’Neill  riding Z Welle 72 putting in a clear in a time of 37.72 only to be bettered by his second horse, 8th in, Cassidee to break his record in a time of 35.32. He then went a step further with his third horse It’s Gold to punch a formidable time of 34 .75 which was to ultimately earn him 3rd place for the competition.

It was also a good day for Young Rider Gerard Clarke who got 2 through to the jump off but despite a knock at 5B and a refusal at the additional 14th fence with Adonis Van de Zandput, he produced a cracker on his 2nd Ardragh Stein in a time of 34.30 earning him 2nd place overall.

But it was to be Floody's day with a no holes barred blistering round on his seasoned campaigner PMR Rehy Irish All Star. Virtually taking a stride out at every distance the true grit performance wiped the boards returning a time of 33.03 which could not be beaten by those who followed.

Delighted with his win he said “ I wasn’t too sure what this season would bring with the loss of my 2 top horses from last year, Ashbourne and Larkhill Cruiser but it is a great win not only for me but for that of my owner Paula Rafter who has been a tremendous owner to me. I am really delighted for her”

The HSI Chippison Spring Tour in association with TRI Equestrian and the Showjumpers Club is supported by Showjumping Ireland, Darragh Equestrian Solutions, Comfort Zone and Jumpinaction.net. It moves to Cavan next week where no doubt the on form John Floody will be bidding to make his stamp.

HSI Chippison Spring Tour
1st Round Kildare International Result

1st  John Floody  PMR Rehy Irish All Star O/O  33.03
2nd  Gerard Clarke Ardragh Stein  O/O  34.30
3rd Ger O’Neill  It’s Gold    O/O  34.75
4th  Ger O’Neill  Cassidee   O/O 35.33
5th  Lt Michael Kelly Lough Foyle   O/O 36.65
6th  Thomas O’Brien Dunsoghley Junior  O/O  36.83

The Chippison Spring Tour is kindly supported by: John & Marie Burke, Horse Sport Ireland, TRI, ShowjumpingIreland, Jumpinaction.net & Darragh Equestrian Solutions