RICHIE Moloney landed one of his career best victories at the Hampton Classic Horse Show last Sunday when storming to victory with almost two seconds to spare in the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix at CSI**** Bridgehampton aboard Carribis Z.

The Kilkenny native (35), who is based on the east coast of America at Equinimity LLC, guided the 13-year-old Zangersheide entire by Canabis Z to a double clear round in 39.57 seconds to scoop the massive prize fund of $99,000.

“It’s special, it’s a great show and always a great crowd here,” said Moloney after his win.

“We try to have our horses in top form for this week. It means a lot to win the Grand Prix here. My horse has been amazing, this is his fourth Grand Prix win. It’s very good to have him and I’m lucky to have my owners at Equinimity, and a great staff. I’m just thankful, without all of those people this wouldn’t be possible.”

Some 28 riders started over the 1.60m track, designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. Just five combinations managed a clean sheet in round one, and all five were once again clear in the jump-off.

The pathfinder against the clock was reigning Hampton Classic Grand Prix winner Karen Polle. The Japanese rider posted the first clear round aboard With Wings in a time of 41.54, which was only good enough for fifth place. Less than half a second separated the riders placed second to fifth.

Fresh from representing America at the Rio Olympic Games, Bezzie Madden followed with Quister De Guldenboom and produced another clear in 41.33 seconds to finish fourth. American riders also filled second and third place. Charlie Jacobs was closest to Moloney’s time with Cassinja S in 41.12, while Andrew Welles also finished on the podium with Brindis Bogibo in a time of 41.15.

RISK

Moloney took his chances in the second round. His decision to leave out a stride to the penultimate vertical resulted in a rub, but the risk paid off when he broke the beam with over a second to spare.

“I took a bit of a chance in the second to last fence and I rubbed it. I was a little lucky, but I guess it was our day,” said Moloney.

Kevin Babington was the next best of the Irish in ninth place, faulting just once in the first round with Shorapur. Cork’s Shane Sweetnam also picked up minor prize money for his four fault round aboard Chaqui Z to finish 11th.

Earlier in the week, Sweetnam was the best placed Irish rider in the $50,000 Longines Cup when he guided Sweet Oak Farm’s Main Road to fifth place with four faults in a time of 40 seconds. America’s Mattias Tromp won the class with Avon (38.34).

RIDER CHALLENGE

Moloney finished his week on a high when he was crowned the winner of the $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge. Receiving 100 points for his Grand Prix win, he finished with a total of 337.5 points, 98 more than Catherine Tyree, who finished second on 239.5, and McLain Ward in third (226). A big supporter of the New York show, this was Moloney’s third time in four years winning the rider challenge.

Babington placed

KEVIN Babington got off to a good start at the five-star show in Saugerties, New York.

Riding Mark Q (ISH), Babington placed second in the $34,600 1.50m Saugerties Jumper Classic on Wednesday. The 14-year-old by OBOS Quality was bred in Ireland by John Walshe. He also guided Double O Seven to finish fourth and picked up a combined total of $10,380. The class was won by America’s Ali Wolff aboard Caya.