Paul Kennedy and Cartown Danger Mouse set too strong a pace for the opposition in tonight’s Trofeo Oquendo 1.50m speed class at the nations cup meeting at Gijon, Spain.

The Limerick rider, partnering his mother Jane’s horse, had a long wait to see if his time of 66.49 would prevail and in the end it was handsomely good enough.

Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya came closest with Carlo in 67.27 and rising British star Harry Charles put in a fine effort with the last round of the contest on Victor but had to settle for third when fractionally behind the Spanish runner-up.

Tomorrow Ireland line out for the Nations Cup of Spain with Michael Blake taking charge of a line up which includes three of the combinations from the Hickstead victory in July.

Trevor Breen once again partners Bombay, with Anthony Condon on SFS Aristio and Michael Duffy riding EFS Top Contender. Richard Howley completes the line-up riding Dolores.

As in Hickstead, Breen will open for Ireland while Condon will play the anchor role.

Ireland have been drawn eighth to jump of the ten teams in the event.

Mike Dunne