A delighted David O’Brien put on a show for his family today, with the Irishman triumphing in the 1.50m Mission:Possible competition at Spruce Meadows aboard Estoril Delle Roane under the grey skies that have so far dominated this summer season.

O’Brien, who is originally from Galway County, got parents Tomas and Frances to fly to Calgary to see him compete at Spruce Meadows for the first time, with the all-too-common rain holding out until after his winning ride this afternoon.

“I was told when coming here that I was coming up against a different beast,” O’Brien, 36, said after his clear round on the vast All Canada Ring course. “It’s hard to describe. There’s nothing like this.

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