O’Connor’s star shines bright in Middle East as he reigns supreme in Dubai

Rathfeigh-based equestrian star Cian O'Connor enhanced his growing international reputation even further at the weekend when he scooped the leading rider trophy at the prestigious Three Star International Show in Dubai. O'Connor enjoyed two wins at the event and also claimed fifth overall in Saturday's World Cup qualifier with his Irish-bred gelding Larkhill Cruiser. The 31-year-old Olympian burst from the blocks on Friday with an astounding victory in the Gulf News Cup. On board his recently acquired Larkhill Cruiser O'Connor finished fifth in the World Cup qualifier on Saturday which was won by Saudi sensation Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, who won silver at the World Equestrian Games in Kentuckey last October. The top 10 went into the second round of Saturday's World Cup class and the Rathfeigh rider comfortably made the cut faulting just once at the last fence in the first round. The Meath man's second round clear in 48.42 seconds ensured a good final placing with the 10-year-old chestnut gelding, which he acquired from fellow Meath man John Floody in November and was bred by Brian McAuley from Antrim. Runner-up in the World Cup class was Egypt's Ahmed Tolba riding Splendor, which was ridden by O'Connor in the past. O'Connor won on board Splendor at the Olympia London Show during Christmas and Tolba is a pupil of O'Connor. The Leading Rider title at the Dubai event was claimed by a clear-cut victory in Saturday's Accumulator. Partnering the Irish-bred Heartbreaker mare Arabella, which he co-owns with Mary Hughes, O'Connor pipped Saudi Arabia's Khalid Al Eid when scorching home more than three seconds faster than the 2000 Olympic bronze medalist. “It was a great start here in Dubai to have two wins and take the Leading Rider title. Also I was extremely happy with the way Splendor jumped, with my Egyptian pupil Ahmed Tolba taking second place in the Grand Prix. So, a perfect start to the Gulf Tour,†said O'Connor. O'Connor now heads to Abu Dhabi for another international event of significance next weekend.