Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny took to the International Arena with Eddy Blue (Eldorado Van De Zeshoek TN x Chacco-Blue) to stake their claim on the $116,100 CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 on Thursday to open Week 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Hosting 12 weeks of international competition, WEF runs at Wellington International through March 29 in Wellington, FL.
On stage compatriot, Bertram Allen placed second aboard Belgian Warmblood gelding, Qonquest de rigo (breeder: Ulrik Goossens). The stage was completed by USA's Charlotte Jacobs and Johan Thys' bred, Playboy jt z.
“I knew Bertram’s horse has a massive stride; he did seven [strides] from one to two. I wasn’t sure if I could do that, but it showed up for me. I think my horse is more experienced than his in jump-offs, so that’s probably where it got him,” said Kenny of his jump-off round with the Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN x Chacco-Blue gelding.
Kenny was officially cleared to return to international competition on February 13 after the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) lifted a provisional suspension issued on October 13 following a positive drug test during the FEI European Championships.
“This is my first week back—Bertram rode Eddy for me recently and did a fantastic job on him,” said the Tokyo Olympian. “The horse feels ready to go, and he was amazing today as he always is. I’m very lucky to have such a fantastic group of owners and staff who kept the horses in great shape. I was lucky Bertram was able to ride them for me—I’m very thankful to everybody who was involved in that.”
For full results of the $116,100 Adequan® CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup, click HERE.