Richie Moloney made a positive start to the four-star meeting in Wellington Florida yesterday when taking second place with Alsvid in the $35,000 Noble Outfitters Holiday and Horses speed event.

The Irish rider made a bold bid to overtake USA’s Jessica Springsteen, who had seen a succession of riders fail to match her time of 58.95 on Davendy S.

Moloney looked on course to top the field, but as he crossed the line the clock ran on by one-tenth of a second.

It did put him into second ahead of Mexico’s Eugenio Garza and Bariano, and none of the remainder of the 63-strong field were able to trouble the leading three.

Capt. Brian Cournane managed a clear round in the event with Elwood, finishing in 10th place.

Mike Dunne