IRELAND'S Cian O'Connor kept up his unrivalled run of 2004 speed class victories on the opening day of the five-star event in Aachen, Germany, today (Tuesday), with a win on <ABC Landliebe>.

Just over a second faster than runner -up, USA's McLain Ward, O'Connor was jubilant about the performance of his ten year-old bay mare, who has given him a series of firsts in Europe this year.

<<This was my first ever win in a class at Aachen,>> he said afterwards, <<and I am absolutely delighted with the mare.>>

Ireland's Billy Twomey was ninth in the same competition on <Whinnie Jackson>.

The Irish team competes in the vital Aachen Super League Nations Cup on
Friday.

SHOW JUMPING RESULTS: CHIO5* AACHEN GERMANY 13-18 JULY 2004

S1- Accom-Prize
Jumping Competition (penalties/time)
Tuesday 13th July 2004

1) ABC LANDLIEBE; Cian O Connor (IRL) Faults 0 Time 66.78
2) GOLDIKA 559; McLain Ward (USA) Faults 0 Time 67.81
3) TANGO; Chris Kappler (USA) Faults 0 Time 68.61

9) WHINNIE JACKSON; Billy Twomey (IRL) Faults 0 Time 76.8

56 starters

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