The pair won the Vogel CSI2* Grand Prix to put a button on 13 weeks of international competition in Wellington.
Show Jumping
The grand finale of Saturday Night Lights saw the German rider aboard Checker 47 edge two American rivals in his Wellington debut.
The Irish rider piloted Casturano to take the $117,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 in a highly competitive field of 57 starters.
The separation was 'mutual' but it leaves the question of who will ride the Reins' top string of horses as the 2024 Olympics approaches.
The US rider won aboard 'Aggie' while the only Canadian in the competition took second aboard Bardolina 2.
Irish riders continue to be unstoppable this season at shows all over the US; Canada's Erynn Ballard takes overall Hermès Series title.
Two Canadians – Paul Halpern and Harold Chopping – place top-10 as the New Zealander puts the moves on the competition aboard Mike Jagger.
There were surprises, with the Olympic champs from Sweden missing the cut along with the British, while the Dutch, Irish and US advanced.
Ireland’s Cian O’Connor wins the $62,500 class at World Equestrian Center – Ocala riding Fermoy, “a bit of a character.”
World Equestrian Center – Ocala set the scene for the rich grand prix, with Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei topping the podium.