Last Sunday was a special moment for Irish rider Darragh Kenny and the now 17-year-old stallion VDL Cartello. At the five-star Grand Prix in Monterrey, Mexico, they rode to an impressive victory. For Kenny and those involved around Cartello, it was a victory full of emotions, as this was one of the stallion's last competitions before he retires soon. "After Geneva, he will concentrate on his breeding career", Kenny told us.
VDL Cartello (Cartani 4 x Lord), who has achieved numerous successes at the highest level under Kenny's guidance, is expected to conclude his career in Geneva at the prestigious show CHI Geneva. Kenny, currently ranked No. 22 in the world, spoke highly of his sporting partner: “He has made so many of my dreams come true at the highest level. To win another five-star Grand Prix with him now, so close to retirement, feels incredibly special,” Kenny said. “He has been a great partner, and working with him is always a pleasure.”
© Tomas Holcbecher
While Cartello's list of accomplishments is impressive, winning a five-star Grand Prix has always been out of reach - until now. This victory marks a fitting highlight in the career of the stallion, who has made an undeniable impact in the sport of show jumping during his time with Kenny.
One of his most notable accomplishments was at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he competed for Ireland in individual jumping and reached the finals with flawless performances. This earned him and Kenny an excellent position in the competition. Cartello also excelled on the Longines Global Champions Tour, including second place in the prestigious Madrid Grand Prix. He also achieved several top results in five-star competitions, including Rome and Aachen, and was a key figure in the Irish Nations Cup squad at events such as Vancouver, where he led the team to second place.
© Tomas Holcbecher
Before Kenny took over the partnership, Cartello was ridden by James Billington and later by Cormac Hanley, even then making a name for himself with top placings at international competitions such as CSI Wierden, Dublin and Wellington.
So in Geneva, the show jumping world will say goodbye to a beloved athlete who made his mark on the discipline and whose career is now coming to a special conclusion.
VDL Cartello (Cartani 4 x Lord), who has achieved numerous successes at the highest level under Kenny's guidance, is expected to conclude his career in Geneva at the prestigious show CHI Geneva. Kenny, currently ranked No. 22 in the world, spoke highly of his sporting partner: “He has made so many of my dreams come true at the highest level. To win another five-star Grand Prix with him now, so close to retirement, feels incredibly special,” Kenny said. “He has been a great partner, and working with him is always a pleasure.”
© Tomas Holcbecher
While Cartello's list of accomplishments is impressive, winning a five-star Grand Prix has always been out of reach - until now. This victory marks a fitting highlight in the career of the stallion, who has made an undeniable impact in the sport of show jumping during his time with Kenny.
One of his most notable accomplishments was at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he competed for Ireland in individual jumping and reached the finals with flawless performances. This earned him and Kenny an excellent position in the competition. Cartello also excelled on the Longines Global Champions Tour, including second place in the prestigious Madrid Grand Prix. He also achieved several top results in five-star competitions, including Rome and Aachen, and was a key figure in the Irish Nations Cup squad at events such as Vancouver, where he led the team to second place.
© Tomas Holcbecher
Before Kenny took over the partnership, Cartello was ridden by James Billington and later by Cormac Hanley, even then making a name for himself with top placings at international competitions such as CSI Wierden, Dublin and Wellington.
So in Geneva, the show jumping world will say goodbye to a beloved athlete who made his mark on the discipline and whose career is now coming to a special conclusion.