Showjumping Grand prix glory for Irishman
Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show, Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire
“I NEVER thought I would be standing here in front of two of my idols — Billy Twomey and John Whitaker,” said Paul Kennedy after lifting the exquisite trophy and €33,000 (£28,900) prize as the winner of the Equerry Horse Feeds grand prix.
Such was the Irishman’s surge of emotion at realising he’d sealed victory at this prestigious show ahead of some of the sport’s legends, he threw his hat into the air and raced round the glorious Bolesworth amphitheatre, to the delight of the packed crowds.
This thrilling finale brought the curtain down on another superb edition of this show. Bolesworth president Nina Barbour continues to raise the bar year after year, producing a marvellous celebration of our sport.
Paul’s win came on his homebred Cartown Danger Mouse (Maddy) — the pair’s second four-star victory of the week. Paul made the most of his last draw to swoop ahead of fellow Irishman Billy Twomey (Kimba Flamenco) and John Whitaker, best of the Brits on Cassinis Chaplin.
“This mare has done everything for my family and career,” said Paul.
With 11 of the 41-strong field progressing to the jump-off, two of the four who incurred a time-fault in round one competed against the nine who had jumped clear.
Brazilian rider Pedro
Junqueira Muylaert posted the first double clear for fifth on
Prince Royal Z MFS, before William Whitaker sneaked ahead on Ilusionata Van’t Meulenhof.
Rails then fell for three combinations, but the top three contenders had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
‘FLAMENCO’S A TOP HORSE IN THE MAKING’
RUNNERS-UP Billy Twomey and Kim Barzilay’s home-bred Kimba Flamenco, by Billy’s former top ride Je T’Aime Flamenco, were balanced and forward throughout.
“Kimba is just stepping up to this level,” said Billy. “It is a work in progress, but everything is going the right way and I think he is a top grand prix horse in the making.”
John Whitaker was next up on Cassinis Chaplin.
Although the Cassini 10-yearold boasts power rather than speed, John coaxed the huge grey up a few gears on the long runs.
“He can cover the ground, but in slow motion,” said John. “We are working on it and this is one of his quickest results.”
However, the best was yet to come with Paul Kennedy producing one of the show’s most memorable rounds with Maddy.
“I have ridden her from day one and I know her inside out,” said Paul. “She has her own style and you would never change it, but she has the heart of a lion and is always sharp into her fences.”
It was a poignant win for Paul, one of several Irish riders wearing black armbands in remembrance of Jack Dodd (news, 14 June). Before the grand prix, a minute’s silence was held in memory of the young Irish rider, followed by a moving rendition of Ave Maria performed by Daisy Bunn.
“Jack was a great friend and this win was for the Dodd family,” said Paul.