Shane Breen, the Cashel, Co. Tipperary rider who set a world bareback high jump record when he cleared 7ft 1in in Adare last October, carried off another daredevil stunt at the Millstreet Derby meeting yesterday. The 23-year-old won a fast-moving Waterford Crystal jump-off class with a mount, Princess Isabella, which joined his stable just four weeks ago.

The absence of foreign interest in the start list for this Derby qualifier was soon forgotten as the home side turned in one sparkling display after another in a 12-horse jump-off in which the lead changed hands time after time.

It took the reigning national champion, Edward Doyle, who, with Sea Wolfe, was sixth to go, to spot a time-saving alternative route after the second fence which was to prove decisive. The detour left Doyle out in front on a clear round in 35.72 seconds at the midway stage.

Having seen the advantage of his rival's game plan, Tom Slattery followed the same path with Coille Mor Hill and did so in 34.71. The result was to change yet again, however, as Breen, who was among the outside chances, defied the odds in spectacular style.

The recently upgraded grey mare, Princess Isabella, a daughter of former international performer Spring Elegance, relished the challenges put to her and the new partnership galloped through the finish line almost a second to the good.

Waterford Crystal Derby Trial - 1, Princess Isabella (Shane Breen); 2, Coille Mor Hill (Tom Slattery); 3, Sea Wolfe (Edward Doyle).

Calor Gas Speed Stakes - 1, Abbey Duchess (Joan Greene); 2, Lisna Tutor (Conor Swail); 3, Multi Clover (Adrian Williams).

Ireland's junior show jumpers claimed team bronze medals at the European championships in Lisbon yesterday, after losing out to Germany in a jump-off for the silver medal position.

European junior championships: 1, Holland; 2, Germany; 3, Ireland - Peter McEntee (Choice Limited); Shane McFadden (Golden Options); Richie Moloney (Speedy Flight), James Hogg (Irish Rock).