Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Sligo Balou Boy © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 11, 2021 – As week nine of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) rolls on, Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Sligo Balou Boy, owned by Michael Kearins, jumped into the winner’s circle in the $73,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 CSI5* on Thursday, March 11, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Acting as a qualifier for the $401,000 Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix CSI5* on Saturday night, 53 entries were challenged over a course designed by Alan Wade (IRL). Kenny, ranked ninth in the world, was 47th to go in the starting order, piloting the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Balou Du Rouet x Catiana to a clear effort in the opening round.

A total of 14 entries cleared the course with 10 electing to return for the second round. Kenny was last to return and put forth the fastest jump-off time, with a double-clear effort in 33.75 seconds.

Mendoza Makes Her Mark on $37,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty 1.45m CSI2*

Jessica Mendoza (GBR) topped the day’s $37,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty 1.45m CSI2* with Dublin, a 2007 German Sport Horse gelding (Cobra x Calido) owned by Windsor Farms. The pair rode to victory in the class of 73 entries, after 20 horse-and-rider combinations returned to contest the Michel Vaillancourt (CAN)-designed fast track.

Mendoza and Dublin cleared the second course in a quick 31.07 seconds. “I knew that there were a lot of horses coming back for the jump-off,” began Mendoza, “so I knew that it was going to be a quick one. I had to get going from the beginning and try to leave little to no room for anyone else to sneak in there.”

She continued, “Dublin was very good. At fence number two I turned a little tight and then went a little deep, and he was a good boy with that so I’m very happy with him. He’s probably the most careful horse I’ve ever sat on; he just doesn’t want to touch a fence. You’re either clear or you’ll do something scary when it comes to him. He’s amazing; he’s very intelligent and knows where his legs are.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.