US-based Offaly rider Darragh Kenny claimed third place in the 250,000 dollar World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Long Island, New York tonight (Sunday).

Riding the 14 year-old Trade Winds Farm-owned bay gelding 'Obelix', the 22 year-old Irishman was one of four through to the jump-off from a starting field of 36, and though just three returned a zero score in the final round, Kenny was outpaced by America's McLain Ward and 'Sapphire', the same combination that claimed Hampton's 2009 Grand Prix prize.

Kenny, who represented Ireland in the three opening Nations' Cups of the 2010 Meydan Series, also won two classes at Long Island on the opening day of the four-star, with 'Looping Star' and 'Bazooka de Muze', and took fifth place in the Spy Farms Grand Prix on Thursday, riding Missy Clarke's Cavalier Royale gelding 'Gael Force'.

Darragh Kenny