Darragh Kenny won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in London on Eddy Blue, defeating reigning champion Ben Maher. The course featured 12 technical obstacles and only five clear rounds. Kenny set a swift jump-off time of 34.76 seconds, while Maher finished second at 35.15 seconds. This victory marks a major milestone for Kenny, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Darragh Kenny fulfilled a lifelong aspiration by clinching the title at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in London aboard his 12-year-old mount, Eddy Blue. He outperformed Ben Maher, the two-time champion who rode the 10-year-old stallion Point Break in this thrilling competition held at the ExCeL arena. The course, designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral and Colm Quinn, featured 12 challenging obstacles and tested riders’ technical skills without being overly demanding on the horses.
The first round yielded only five clear rounds from 37 entrants. Tim Gredley, Sophie Hinners, and Ben Maher also delivered faultless performances to advance to the jump-off. Kenny set the pace with a precise execution, clocking in at 34.76 seconds, while Maher secured second with a time of 35.15 seconds after a minor hiccup. After a mix of excitement and relief, Kenny celebrated his win, noting his admiration for the course design and Eddy Blue’s remarkable capabilities, calling him the “maybe the best horse I’ve ever had.”
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ is an elite series of show jumping competitions held globally, showcasing top equestrian talent. The London International Horse Show relocated to the ExCeL arena in 2021, allowing for larger competitions and modern facilities. Course design plays a critical role in these events, balancing difficulty with the capabilities of both horse and rider. The Western European League features several qualifiers leading up to the World Cup finals, attracting top competitors and significant audiences.
Darragh Kenny’s victory at the London leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup showcases his skill and the prowess of his horse, Eddy Blue. The competition highlighted the importance of technicality in course design, allowing for both excitement and challenging tests for riders. As the series continues, Kenny’s win marks a significant achievement in his career, adding to the competitive intensity of the league.
Original Source: www.theplaidhorse.com