Richard Howley takes five-star Grand Prix win in Oslo

Richard Howley stormed to victory in the opening leg of the 2023/2024 Western European League in Oslo in Norway.

A competitive 17-horse jump-off saw Sligo competitor Howley guide the 12-year-old gelding Consulent de Prelet Z to a clear round in 34.55 seconds to claim one of the biggest wins of his career.

French world number 10 Simon Delestre looked to have posted an unbeatable time (34.85) with Dexter Fontenis Z, before Howley's effort saw the winners trophy.

Tipperary's Shane Breen also made it into the jump-off with Cuick Star Kervec and crossed the line clear in 36.90 to take fifth place at the finish.

"It's amazing, I am absolutely over the moon with the result," Howley said. "My horse jumped amazing. It's just an incredible feeling. I have my parents here with me for the first time in a long time. They came to support me and they brought some Irish luck - a bit of a rub of the green.

"Simon [Delestre] had a fantastic round, he is obviously in brilliant form and won the Grand Prix yesterday and he really laid down the gauntlet. I had to try and match him, I think I had one stride less to the last fence and I would say everywhere else we were even par.

"It's one of my biggest achievements [to win this World Cup]. Growing up watching World Cup jumping on television - these are what dreams are made of and I am very grateful to be able to do it."