Darragh Kenny triumphs at the London International Horse Show

Darragh Kenny riding Eddy Blue – Copyright ©FEI/Jon Stroud

The “Sensational Super Sunday” marked a spectacular conclusion to the five-day London International Horse Show, an event celebrating the finest in equestrian sport, blending tradition, competition, and entertainment.

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, presented by Agria, made its stop at the London International Horse Show as part of the series that will culminate in the final in Basel in April 2025. Irish rider Darragh Kenny, aboard Eddy Blue, secured first place in the competition, which boasted a total prize fund of €180,000.

The course, designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral, presented a technical challenge for the 37 participants, with only five pairs reaching the jump-off. Kenny shone with a time of 64.98 seconds in the first round and 34.76 seconds in the jump-off, outperforming Ben Maher on Point Break (63.31 and 35.15 seconds) and Robert Whitaker on Vermento (63.76 seconds and 37.89 seconds, with one fault). Tim Gredley on Imperial HBF finished fourth with 65.88 seconds in the first round and 40.09 seconds in the jump-off, while Sophie Hinners on Iron Dames my Prins completed the top five with 64.24 seconds in the first round and an elimination in the jump-off.

This leg brought significant changes to the Western European League standings, with Darragh Kenny moving closer to the top. The current top five in the overall standings are:

1. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) – 50 points
2. Steve Guerdat (SUI) – 48 points
3. Darragh Kenny (IRL) – 47 points
4. Sophie Hinners (GER) – 42 points
5. Ben Maher (GBR) – 40 points

In his post-competition interview, Kenny remarked: “This show has always held a special place for me. Winning here is incredible, and Eddy Blue was exceptional today.”

Emerging talents take center stage

The Agria 128cms Championship showcased the future stars of equestrian sport in a competition defined by speed and precision. Annabel Widdowson, riding the veteran Bunbury Conquest, claimed victory with a double-clear performance, completing the jump-off in 30.00 seconds.

The young rider expressed her joy: “I knew I had to give my best, but I also knew my pony would do everything he could. This is an experience I will never forget.”

Anya Dewey Clarke, despite an impressive time of 29.44 seconds, accumulated four faults, placing her third behind Kobi Watt on Hillgarth Baileys Cream (36.25 seconds).

The charm of the showing classes

The showing competitions brought moments of pure elegance and tradition. The BSPS Ridden Mountain & Moorland Championship, sponsored by New Horizon Plastics, highlighted the beauty and conformation of British ponies. Florence Milczarek and Cosford Wishes Vow triumphed in the Heritage Working Sports Pony Championship, demonstrating harmony and precision.

Adding a touch of festive magic, Santa Claus surprised the young participants, handing out rosettes and gifts in a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

Results at a glance

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™:

1. Darragh Kenny (IRL) – Eddy Blue – 64.98 sec / 34.76 sec
2. Ben Maher (GBR) – Point Break – 63.31 sec / 35.15 sec
3. Robert Whitaker (GBR) – Vermento – 63.76 sec / 37.89 sec
4. Tim Gredley (GBR) – Imperial HBF – 65.88 sec / 40.09 sec
5. Sophie Hinners (GER) – Iron Dames my Prins – 64.24 sec / Eliminated

Agria 128cms Championship:

1. Annabel Widdowson (GBR) – Bunbury Conquest – 30.00 sec
2. Kobi Watt (GBR) – Hillgarth Baileys Cream – 36.25 sec
3. Anya Dewey Clarke (GBR) – Jim – 29.44 sec (4 faults)
4. Amy Capper (GBR) – Dooneens Electric – 30.21 sec (4 faults)
5. Lucia Caroline (GBR) – Desdemone Du Marquais – 30.73 sec (4 faults)

The London International Horse Show 2024 is not only a celebration of equestrian sport but also a meeting point for enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe. The event continues to represent excellence in the equestrian world, combining competition, spectacle, and tradition into an unforgettable experience.

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