Stunning World Cup victory for Offaly Darragh Kenny completes spectacular double in London

An outstanding performance from Offaly’s Darragh Kenny and the 12-year-old gelding Eddy Blue, saw them take victory in Sunday’s five-star Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix at The London International Horse Show in England. 

Just five of the 37 starters managed to jump clear in the opening round, with Kenny drawn second to go against the clock. A breathtaking jump-off round from the Irishman saw him stop the clock clear in 34.76 seconds. All those who followed, including a trio of British riders, failed to beat the target to leave Kenny as the winner.

Britain’s Ben Maher, winner of the London World Cup in 2023, finished as runner-up aboard Point Break, with the only other double clear round, crossing the line in 35.15, Robert Whitaker (GBR) and his Helsinki World Cup winner Vermento finished third with four faults in 37.89, ahead of Tim Gredley (GBR) and Imperial HBF in fourth and Germany’s Sophie Hinners in fifth with Iron Dames My Prins.

Kenny spoke afterwards about how much winning in London meant to him:

“I have been watching this show since I was four years old, watching riders like Robert Smith, John Whitaker and Michael Whitaker – it’s just an incredible show. The crowd are just the best ever and it’s really fun to be able to win it [The FEI World Cup].

“The horse [Eddy Blue] was in great form all week. He jumped unbelievable today. I just went as fast as I could go and hoped it was good enough. These boys are the best in the world, but it was just my day today. I have had a fantastic year, I am lucky to have brilliant owners and brilliant staff that keep everything going and I just get to enjoy it.”

The result completes a hat-trick of Irish wins this week at London International, with Kenny also guiding Chaccossini to victory in Friday’s Christmas Tree Stakes, while Derry’s Daniel Coyle and Incredible were winners of Saturday’s Longines Christmas Cracker.

The next leg of the Longines FEI World Cup series takes place at Mechelen in Belgium on December 30th.