TIPPERARY-born Kevin Babington took the honours in last night’s $100,000three-star Grand Prix in Lexington, Kentucky at the Split Rock arena.

Riding Shorapur, Babington was one of nine who made it into the jump-off from an international field of twenty-four.

Third-last in the decider, the Irish rider overhauled pacesetter Kaitlin Campbell on Rocky W, setting a new target of 39.25.

It proved good enough for victory, though last-in Margie Engle on Royce looked a danger until the clock ticked on to 40.14.

“I’m always nervous when Margie is following me,” said Babington. “She always gives it 110 percent.”

He was full of praise for ten-year-old Shorapur: “She fought for it and she gave it to me”, the Pennsylvania-based rider said.

Don’t miss The Irish Field this weekend for a full round-up of all the international action