IRELAND’S Cian O’Connor claimed victory in today’s (Wednesday) speed competition at the prestigious five-star show in Aachen, Germany.

The Olympic bronze medallist rode Be Gentle, a ten year-old dark bay mare that is usually campaigned successfully by his American pupil Lillie Keenan.

But today the trainer himself took the reins for a convincing win at the world-famous show, stopping the clock on a faultless round more than two seconds ahead of Ukrainian challenger Cassio Rivetti with the bay gelding Beau Limit.

Notably, O’Connor has also brought his top horse to Aachen, the spectacular stallion Good Luck, with whom he has ridden double clear rounds recently at the five-star Grands Prix at St. Gallen in Switzerland and Knokke in Belgium.

The 36 year-old said from Aachen today: “Good Luck is pre-qualified for the one million euro Grand Prix here on Sunday, and I’m really looking forward to it, as it’s considered to be the world’s most famous Grand Prix.

“Aachen is undoubtedly one of the greatest venues on the international circuit, and following the disappointment of Ireland not qualifying a team for the Rio Olympics, I have decided to focus fully on aiming at the great Grand Prix of Aachen – where the jumps and prize money are both suitably large!”