IRISH RIDERS DELIVER CANADIAN DERBY AND GRAND PRIX WINS

TIPPERARY’S Kevin Babington and Galway’s Andrew Bourns both produced Irish victories in Canada this weekend, with Babington triumphing in the five-star Derby in Canada and Bourns victorious in Rockwood’s Grand Prix.

In the east, Bourns won not just Saturday night’s Grand Prix with Karina Aziz’s Chacco’s Goldy, but also the Welcome class at the two-star show.

The 30 year-old said afterwards: “Goldy’s a very special horse. I’m riding her for Karina Aziz while she recovers from her ankle surgery. I’m very grateful to Karina and Iron Horse Farm for the opportunity to ride such a wonderful horse.”

In the west of Canada on Sunday night, Tipperary’s Kevin Babington, who is a long-time North American resident, produced a win in the five-star Spruce Meadows Derby with the Irish Sport Horse Goodwins Loyalty.

Babington and the ten year-old mare were one of ten combinations from a field of 28 to complete the derby track on a zero score, and came home with almost four seconds in hand over American challenger Nick Dello Joio aboard Fiego van de Zonnenweide.

Following his victory, Babington said: “I was an event rider before I got into show jumping. I really only got into show jumping sort of halfway serious at 18. I did a little bit of steeple chasing too, so I’m well used to galloping. ”

In Sweden, meanwhile, Irish Army rider Capt. Michael Kelly claimed third place in the famous Falsterbo Derby with the experienced Irish Sport Horse Mo Chroi, recording the fastest time but leaving one fence on the ground. Wexford’s 18 year-old Bertram Allen finished in fifth with Romanov.

Kevin Babington and Goodwins Loyalty winning the Spruce Meadows Derby.

BREEDING

Goodwins Loyalty (ISH) – 2004 bay mare by O.B.O.S. Quality 004 (OLD) out of Goodwins Belle (ISH), by Candle King (ISH). Bred by Larry Costello, Co. Kilkenny. Owner/Rider: Kevin Babington (IRL)

Mo Chroi (ISH) – 1997 grey mare by Cruising (ISH) out of Into The Blue (ISH), by Mister Lord (TB). Bred by Claire McDonnell, Co. Wicklow. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Capt. Michael Kelly (IRL)