EquestrianPeter Smyth and the former trotter mare Zara's Pride gave Ireland the best result of the weekend on the continental circuit when claiming an easy victory in the late-finishing San Remo Grand Prix in Italy on Sunday night, writes Grania Willis.

The 36-year-old former Irish champion, who had already picked up a win and a third at the Italian fixture, flew home more than five seconds to the good to claim the honours. Italy's Luigi Crespi and Lilly produced the only other double clear in the timed decider to take the runner-up spot.

San Remo, Italy, Grand Prix 1, Ireland's Zara's Pride (Peter Smyth), 0/0 faults, 38.17 seconds; 2, Italy's Lilly (Luigi Crespi), 0/0, 43.19; 3, Belgium's Samurai (Ignace Philips), 0/4, 39.15.