Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon were fastest by almost two seconds when winning Friday’s speed class at the four-star meeting at Tryon, North Carolina.

The Irish rider got Cyklon home intact over Alan Wade’s course in 60.23, which proved much too quick for the following riders.

Coming closest was Frenchman Eric Navet on Basimodo in 62.08, with Canadian Kyle Timm and Javas Georgie B in third in a time of 62.73.

“I was early in the order so I went as fast as I thought I needed to,” said Sweetnam. “Cyklon is a naturally quick horse and I made a tidy roll back to fence four and fence eight. I think that made the difference.”

Sweetnam will have two rides in tonight’s €216,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix, partnering Indra van de Oude Heihoff and Main Road.

Also involved are Capt. Brian Cournane (Javas Keltic Mist and Dino), and Richie Moloney (Carrabis Z and Ypaja Yando).

Josh Tobin