Tipperary showjumper makes winning start to Summer Showcase in The Netherlands

Tipperary rider Max Wachman kicked off the Summer Showcase at Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands in style, clinching victory in the four-star speed class with an electrifying round aboard GRS Lady Amaro.

The mare, recently acquired by Coolmore Showjumping from Mark McAuley, was blisteringly quick in the 1.50m speed class, registering a time of 65.74 seconds - just enough to edge out Spain’s Julio Arias Cueva and Filou du Manoir, who finished a breath behind in 65.86 seconds.

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“It’s been a fantastic first day at the Longines Tops International Arena,” said Wachman.

“Lady Amaro was flying on the grass arena and, of course, it’s always a good way to start the weekend with a win”.

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At another five-star show in Dinard, another equestrian star from the Premier County, Denis Lynch, was third in the Prix Cordon Group to the outstanding pair of Henrik Von Eckermann and Glamour Girl.

With his progressive ten-year-old stallion King Blue, Lynch made the podium in the 1.45m speed event with a clear round in 65.16 seconds, just over eight-tenths of a second off the standard-setters.