Hallowberry Cruz and Alexander Butler rode to another victory in a world ranking class in Bonheiden, Belgium at the weekend.

From a competitive start list of 91 contestants the Irish duo finished in a time of 57.72, almost three quarters of a second faster than their nearest rival, Jelmer Hoeskstra from the Netherlands with Quinoa des Riollets

Hallowberry Cruz, a recently approved stallion by the legendary Cruising out of a Clover Hill mare, is owned and bred by Wicklow businesswoman Caroline Byrne.

She said after the event: “It is testament that the Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) can still compete at international level.

“I’m delighted also as we’re the only Irish competitors at Bonheiden. It’s a traditional Irish bred stallion and he’s proving to be very popular and likeable, both for his excellent temperament and jumping ability.”

Straffan-based Alexander Bulter and Hallowberry Cruz are proving to be a very successful partnership and are having a great year both in Ireland and abroad. They represented Ireland on a Nations Cup Team in Sopot in Poland earlier this year and prior to that won another World Ranking Class in Vilamoura in Portugal.

This week they head to Lanaken, also in Belgium, to jump in the prestigious Sires of the World competition where they will again face stiff competition.

Jack Burns