Derwin continues strong start to showjumping season

Athlone showjumper Francis Derwin continued his impressive start to the new season with victory in the World Equestrian Center series in Ocala Florida.

Derwin has been tasked with overseeing a group of young horses in Florida from Cian O’Connor’s Meath base at Karlswood Stables, and got off to an excellent start in the opening week with a couple of podiums and some other promising results.

O’Connor is sure to be pleased with the young Athlone rider’s endeavours to date as he bagged his first win of the series with Gospel Tame in a two-star Grand Prix qualifier in the southern US state.

Derwin and his 10-year-old partner were far too strong for all competitors, finishing more than a second and three-quarters clear of runner-up Hunter Holloway (USA).

Speaking in the aftermath of his success, Derwin said complimented O'Connor for placing his showjumping trust in him.

“Gospel is 10 years old now. He’s been produced very well. Cian has had him since he was five.

“I am very happy to have a great team of horses here. Thanks to Cian for trusting me with them. I am here for the whole circuit and have 10 horses here.

“I came last winter to watch for just that night, and when Cian suggested coming here next winter, I straight away said yes. It’s an unbelievable place to be. I just think the place itself is unbelievable. There’s no place else in the world like it. I’ve never seen anything else, and it’s a great place for the horses," Derwin said.