CONTINUING his amazing run of top drawer performances, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was narrowly pipped to victory in Thursday evening’s Los Angeles Times Trophy at the LA Masters Show.
The 26-year-old Co Offaly rider, son of Catherine and Michael from Belmont House Stud, is fast becoming one of the most influential riders in the United States.
He arrived to the L.A. Masters Show on the back of an amazing hat-trick of top level wins at the American Gold Cup four-star New York show in a three day timeframe.
Kenny was second on Thursday evening in the LA Times Trophy on the eight-year-old Chin Quidam VDL (Chin Chin x Quidam de Revel) in 59.11 seconds. He was pipped to the win by France’s double silver WEG medallist, veteran rider Patrice Delaveau, on his 12-year-old mare Omella Mail HDC (Lando x Alligator Fontaine) in 56.61 seconds.
Third was Dutch rider Jur Vrieling on Zavail VDL (Casall x Emilion) in 59.28.
Ireland’s Cameron Hanley is also taking part in the L.A. showpiece event and we will have full coverage of the L.A. Masters next week.
Also due to pressure of space, some of this week’s international show jumping reports have had to be held over.
Review progress
A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture yesterday told The Irish Field that the sport horse strategy review report is at a “very advanced’’ stage. A meeting was held this week. It’s at a very advanced stage. A further meeting was scheduled to advance the document.”
Klatzko becomes Irish citizen
Dressage rider Sorrell Klatzko became an Irish citizen at a ceremony in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Monday. It paves the way for Welsh-born Sorrell, who has been based here since 2006, to declare for the Irish international dressage squad.
Chairperson of Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance Dressage Committee, Joan Keogh, said: “As one of our highest placed riders at the National Dressage Championships over the last number of years, having Sorrell Klatzko now available to represent Ireland is a great boost for Irish dressage.”
TIFA Foal Sale
This year’s TIFA sale takes place in Cavan Equestrian on Wednesday, October 1st. Included is a full brother to the Grand Prix winning mare Uskerty Diamond lady, the Mountbellew All Ireland Foal Champion, and foals by Le One, Cougar and Cruising for Chicks among others. In all 14 top quality foals will be offered and strong interest is expected.
IMFHA seminar
Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland Pat Wall will be among the guest speakers at Tuesday’s seminar hosted by the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association. It will be held in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare at 7.30pm.
Other speakers include Gavin Duffy who will speak on dealing with the media while Tim Easby of the UK MFHA will speak on living with a hunting ban.
Lisgarvan penalties
In last week’s Lisgarvan eventing report, it was stated Alicia Law was the rider of Bernard Prins when a 25-point penalty was imposed for dangerous riding in Section A of the pre-novice. We are happy to clarify that Alicia Law was not riding the horse which was the mount of Antonia Ward at the event.
Fundraising ride
The Hill Ride will take place at Bellewstown racecourse, Co Meath, on Sunday, October 5th at 1pm. Suitable for all levels, it will be following by the National Hedge Jumping Championships which offers €500 to the winner.
All proceeds to Bellewstown National School.
Emerald prices
Emerald International EC this week released the following ticket prices for their November show - €20 per adult, €15 per child per day and children under 3 years are free, but must sit on parents/guardian’s knee.
CAFRE open day
CAFRE Enniskillen is holding an open day on Saturday, October 4th at noon for students seeking information on equine, farriery and work-based agricultural programmes.