Andrew Bourns and Sea Topblue shine in Florida

Irish horses and riders dominated Saturday night's four-star NetJets Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, with Andrew Bourns and Sea Topblue claiming the top prize just ahead of Mark McAuley and Jasco VD Bisschop.

From the 44 starters, 14 jumped clear to make it into the second round. The early pacesetter was Olympian Nicola Philippaerts and Moya VD Bisschop, who were the second to go in the jump-off and set the time to beat at 39.25 seconds, which would eventually see them finish third.

Nine horses after Philippaerts, Mark McAuley and Jasco VD Bisschop lowered the target time to 38.94.

As the final entry in the jump-off, Bourns was able to squeak by his countryman and clock 38.76 for a fantastic win.

"I had a plan made for the jump-off and went in a little bit with the mindset that I have a lot I still want to do with this horse this year so if it was fast enough, great, but I had a plan and was going to stick to it," said Bourns of his ride.

It was a special win for Bourns on a horse that means so much to his family. The 11-year-old gelding has been with Bourns since Andrew's late mother Deirdre bought him as a foal at an auction in Cavan.