Babington claims second in Ocala Grand Prix

IRELAND’S Kevin Babington kept up his sparkling form at the four-star show in Ocala, Florida, with a second place in tonight’s (Sunday) Grand Prix.

Following their two clear rounds in Friday’s US Nations’ Cup that helped the Irish team claim outright victory, Tipperary-born Babington tonight again partnered the ten year-old mare Shorapur, and came within a fifth of a second of claiming the first prize.

Delivering a foot-perfect clear first round, the Pennsylvania-based Irish rider was one of seven combinations through to the jump-off from a starting field of 39, and took the lead with yet another zero-penalty performance in the second round when third-last to jump.

However, US Olympian Laura Kraut and her experienced 17 year-old grey gelding Cedric managed to nudge Babington into the runner-up spot and took 36,000 euro along with the Grand Prix winner’s trophy. Babington settled for the 22,000 euro second place prize.

The Irish rider also won Thursday’s Grand Prix Qualifier at Ocala, riding the Irish Sport Horse Mark Q.

Kevin Babington and Shorapur. Picture: Phelps Sports