Hits on the Hudson

TIPPERARY’s Kevin Babington and Double O Seven 7 took victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson V last week. It was the second win for Babington having earlier won the Johnson Horse Transportation Open Welcome class.

Of the 45 entries that lined out for the Grand Prix, 15 delivered fault-free performances in the first-round. Riding Double O Seven 7, Kevin Babington took all the tight lines and a clear in 41.17 seconds was enough to take the win.

Double-handed in the jump-off, Brian Moggre returned with MTM Flutterby and a clear in 41.54 seconds proved good enough for second, while Tracy Fenney clear with Mtm Reve Du Paradis in 41.81 saw her clinch third place.

Jordon Coyle win

FOLLOWING in his brother’s footsteps, Jordan Coyle is making an impression on American soil as he partnered Escalette to a win in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset. Riding the Elan Farm-owned Escalette, Coyle secured the win in the five-way jump-off by nearly three seconds, stopping the clock in 33.85.

Canada’s Sam Pegg took second place with a time of 36.23 seconds aboard Shaia de Macheco. American rider Jimmy Torano claimed third place when clear in 36.41 with Day Dream.