Ireland’s Darragh Kenny claims huge win in Monaco Global Champions Tour Grand Prix

An outstanding performance from Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Idalville d’Esprit has seen them claim a stunning victory in tonight’s (Saturday) five-star Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Monaco.

Kenny was at his brilliant best to beat off many of the world’s top horses and riders to claim the top prize of almost €100,000. Kenny only took up the ride in April of Idalville d’Esprit who is owned by Heathman Farm and Lorcan Gallagher. They were one of just six combinations to jump clear in the opening round of the 1m60 contest and drawn second last to go, they produced what proved an unbeatable clear in 37.89 seconds.

Austria’s Max Kühner finished as runner-up with Eic Coriolis des Isles in 38.07 while Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts took third place with H&M Legend of Love (38.66).

It was an incredible evening for Offaly-born Kenny who earlier in the day had also topped the podium in the Global Champions League of Monaco for his Paris Panthers team. His win in the GCL Grand Prix now means he has booked his place in the Prague Super Grand Prix final later this year.