An outstanding performance from Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and the Irish-bred gelding CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) in the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo in Sweden on Sunday afternoon, saw them beat-off many of the world’s top Show Jumping combinations to secure their first ever five-star Grand Prix win as a pairing. Cork-born Sweetnam and the 13-year-old CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH), who was bred in Co Galway by Patrick Connolly, have been among the top combinations in world Show Jumping now for many years, but despite many five-star Grand Prix podium placings around the globe, victory had eluded the pairing up to now. But that finally changed this weekend in an amazing display by horse and rider. Last to go in a 14-horse jump-off, they came into the arena with German World No.2 Richard Vogel and Cloudio holding the lead with what looked like an unbeatable target of clear in 38.63 seconds. Remarkably, World No.5 Sweetnam and CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) managed to shave off almost a second off the target time and crossed the line clear in 37.68 to take the winners trophy. Located in Cummer, Tuam, County Galway, Connolly Stud Farm is a globally renowned equestrian breeding facility operated by Patrick, Shane, and Brian Connolly under their now famous "CSF" prefix.
“To compete at Falsterbo and win a Rolex Grand Prix is incredibly special to me", Sweetnam commented. "Hopefully, I can do it again. If I had to sum up the week in one sentence, I would simply say: it has been fantastic.”
Three Irish riders had made it through to the second round with Derry’s Jordan Coyle going on to finish 10th with Chaccolino, while Tipperary’s Trevor Breen filled 13th spot with Kannoon Blue. ESI Ali (ISH), who was bred in Kilkenny by Ennisnag Stud, finished ninth with Egypt’s Nayel Nassar.
Irish Horse Board Director General Alison Corbally said: “Massive congratulations to Shane Sweetnam and to Patrick Connolly, breeder of CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) on this stunning win in Falsterbo. They again proved that they are one of the top combinations in the world with an exceptional performance.”
