In Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, it was another successful weekend for Irish showjumper Mikey Pender and his horse HHS Calais (ISH). They claimed the top spot in the CSI4* ANDALUCÌA Grand Prix Final 1.60 on Sunday afternoon. The incredibly impressive HHS Calais (ISH) is bred by Ita Brennan and owned by Bravo Hughes Ltd, sailed through both rounds with no faults and finished the jump-off in a blazing 36.84 seconds, securing their spot on top of the podium for the second consecutive week.

Pender and HHS Calais (ISH) won the 1.55m CSI4* Suzuki Grand Prix at the same venue just the week before, where they were the only pair to clear the opening round on Spain’s Sunshine Tour, and took the victory without the need for a jump-off.

Following Pender and HHS Calais (ISH) on the podium were Portugal’s Duarte Seabra in second place, and Canada’s Kara Chad in third. Meanwhile, Irish rider Niamh McEvoy put in a clear jump-off round, finishing just over 4 seconds behind Pender.

Also competing at Vejer De La Frontera, Wexford’s Patrick Hickey and his mare Emelee (ISH) secured the top spot in the CSI4* 1.45m jump-off on Sunday morning.

Emelee, a 9-year-old mare bred by John James Hassett and owned by Catriona Redmond, gave a fantastic performance under Hickey’s guidance. Speaking about his win, Hickey said, “She’s a real fighter, and always tries her best. Thanks to Catriona Redmond for trusting me with her.”

Irish rider Ciaran Nallon also had a successful weekend, finishing in fourth place with a clear round and just 0.38 seconds behind third.

Special shout out to Nicola Dee one of our Rising Stars here at The Grassroots Gazette and is a groom on Mikey’s team. Nicola is messaging me as I write this saying they are just settling into Madrid. We’ve to also mention Leo a new groom on the team and of course, Maria who flats HHS Calais almost every day and is a real driving force behind everything.

Looking forward to seeing the interview with Nicola and Maria coming soon.