Prince reigns over the Irish

Against all expectations British riders continued to keep the in-form Irish at bay when Michael Whitaker rode Virtual Village Prince of Wales to win yesterday's Speed Derby on the second day of the Kerrygold Dublin Horse Show. This was the third international contest of the meeting and the third British victory, with Whitaker and Scott Smith having triumphed here on Wednesday.

Prince of Wales had disappointed in Wednesday's major contest and Whitaker subsequently decided to ride First Samuel in yesterday's big class. Having swapped roles with his stable-companion, Prince of Wales seemed happy to whizz round yesterday to defeat the long-time Irish leaders, Conor Swail and the eight-year-old mare Windgates Cruise West.

The Irish struck back when Dermott Lennon jumped a double clear on Garronturton Lady to defeat Britain's Tim Stockdale on Parcival in a two-horse jump-off in heavy rain.