GALWAY showjumper Michael Duffy and Quirex came a brilliant third in the Longines Global Champions Super Grand Prix in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The lucrative finale was limited to just the top 15 riders who had won Five Star Grand Prix competitions this season, with Duffy securing his place following a big win in Miami Beach last April.

Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf seized victory aboard his nine-year-old mare Foxy de la Roque. The tension was palpable as Bettendorf, the last to go under the floodlights in Riyadh, produced a double-clear. Belgium’s Gilles Thomas, piloting Ermitage Kalone, secured second place with the only other double-clear.

Duffy left all the fences standing in both rounds, picking up just two time penalties in the first round before jumping clear second time out to seal a podium finish.

Quirex had reached the top of the sport with Cameron Hanley, including being part of the Irish Aga Khan team in 2018, but the grey gelding had been out of the sport for many years before completing a remarkable comeback.

“To do this today, on a horse that has had almost six years in a field and to do it in a class so huge as the LGCT Super Grand Prix – a comeback couldn’t have been sweeter.

“It’s just a testament to the horse’s character and his heart and ability to come back. It’s really an incredible story and I’m just happy to be a part of it and to enjoy it,” said Duffy.

Earlier in the day, Duffy secured victory in the 1.50 jump-off class after having the fastest double clear on Claptonn Mouche.

Pictured: Galway showjumper Michael Duffy and Quirex in action in Riyadh where they came third in the Longines Global Champions Super Grand Prix.