OFFALY international rider Darragh Kenny enjoyed a €100,000 pay cheque for his win at the five-star Monaco Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix with Idalville d'Esprit on Saturday night.

Kenny was at his brilliant best to beat off many of the world’s top horses and riders to claim the top prize of almost €100,000. Kenny only took up the ride in April of Idalville d’Esprit who is owned by Heathman Farm and Lorcan Gallagher. They were one of just six combinations to jump clear in the opening round of the 1.60m contest and drawn second last to go, they produced what proved an unbeatable clear in 37.89 seconds.

Austria’s Max Kühner finished as runner-up with Eic Coriolis des Isles in 38.07 while Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts took third place with H&M Legend of Love (38.66).

Topped team podium

It was an incredible evening for Offaly-born Kenny who earlier in the day had also topped the podium in the Global Champions League of Monaco for his Paris Panthers team. His win in the GCL Grand Prix now means he has booked his place in the Prague Super Grand Prix final later this year.

Source: Horse Sport Ireland press release