Darragh Kenny wins in St Tropez while Ireland drawn first to go in Lisbon Nations Cup

Offaly’s Darragh Kenny has scored Ireland’s first five-star win of what promises to be a busy weekend of equestrian action, after he came out on top in today’s (Thursday) 1.55m competition at the Longines Global Champions League in St Tropez, France.

Darragh Kenny and Bablou 41

Riding Bablou 41, owned by Jack Snyder, Kenny jumped clear in 73.37 seconds to take the top prize of over €20,000. Tipperary’s Shane Breen also finished among the prizes, finishing eighth with Ipswich van de Wolfsakker. Breen paired up with America’s Jessica Springsteen for Miami Celtics in the Global Champions League and the pair lie in second place heading into Saturday’s second round.

Along with Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Mullingar International taking place in Ireland this weekend, an action-packed four day’s of Equestrian Sport also includes three five-star fixtures around the globe, in France, Switzerland and at Langley in Canada where Ireland are in Nations Cup action on Sunday.
Ireland will also field a team in tomorrow’s (Friday) three-star Nations Cup at Lisbon in Portugal where Taylor Vard with be Irish Chef d’Equipe.

Ireland have been drawn first to jump of 12 teams taking part and line out as follows:

Tipperary’s Trevor Breen with Bombay – owned by Willie Matton

Galway’s Michael Duffy with Jule Van Den Tinnenpot – owned by Poden Farms

Limerick’s Paul Kennedy with Cartown Danger Mouse (ISH) – owned by Jane Kennedy

Waterford’s Anthony Condon with SFS Aristio – owned by John Hales & Anthony Condon

The Lisbon Nations Cup starts at 6.30pm Irish time with the second round under lights at 9.30pm