Darragh Kenny Zeroes In on Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 9
Darragh Kenny & Zero K. Photo ©Sportfot
Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny has come a long way in a short time with his new mount Zero K. Since welcoming the mare into his string in December, he has stepped her up into five-star grand prix ranks. Together they claimed their biggest win yet on Thursday at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in the $116,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 9.
“I’ve been getting to know the mare a lot better through circuit because I only got her one show before [WEF] started,” Kenny explained. “The first rounds have been pretty good; jump-offs haven’t been perfect. I knew it was going to be very fast today, and she has a big stride, so a lot of the lines were connected. I could use her big stride and hopefully not make mistakes.”
Coming home mistake free indeed over Alan Wade’s (IRL) short course, Kenny left the rest of 16-horse field to catch him, and ultimately none could. His time of 34.86 seconds was the fastest of the six double-clears by a notable margin, leaving Daniel Bluman (ISR) in second with Gemma W, owned by Over the Top Stables, on a time of 36.07 seconds. Spencer Smith (USA) finished in third with Keeneland, owned by Ashland Farms & Storm Ridge Capital.
Kenny admits he took some risks to get the job done, but with the caliber of rider coming behind him, he didn’t have many options if he wanted the top spot.
“I was really nervous doing the six [strides from fences] one to two because I was a long way away,” he said. “These classes are so competitive. There are so many brilliant riders. One day it’s me, next day it’s Kent [Farrington], next day it’s Richard Vogel, Henrik Von Eckermann, McLain Ward. That’s just how competitive this circuit is here.”
McLain Ward and First Lady Preside over Bainbridge Companies CSI5* 1.50m
Two-time U.S. Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward is back in the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) winner’s circle after several weeks off due to injury. On Friday of WEF 9, Ward and First Lady, a mare owned by Robin Parsky, topped the $62,500 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* 1.50m.
A fall on the grass derby field at Wellington International earlier in the season fractured the facet of one vertebrae and sidelined Ward for rest and recovery.
“I feel great,” said Ward after Friday’s win during his second week back in the International Arena. “The horses are fresh and are coming back nicely. These breaks are always frustrating in the moment, but if you stay focused, you’ll sometimes look back and say, ‘that worked well.’ Right now, we’re all playing catch up to Kent [Farrington] — he’s really on a roll, so he’s the target in my sights.”
Over Alan Wade’s (IRL) one-round speed course, Ward and First Lady — his partner for four years now — went fairly early and set a time of 57.49 seconds. The only other two contenders to strike within the minute mark of Ward’s leading time were Olympic Champion Ben Maher (GBR) with Enjeu du Grisien, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, and Canada’s Erynn Ballard with Ginger ASK, owned by Ilan Ferder.
Kenzie Smith and On Tour Top USHJA Pony Hunter Derby
Ponies got their turn on the derby field during WEF 9 in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian. With a turnout of 64 ponies, it was a competitive field, but ultimately the win went to Kenzie Smith and On Tour, owned by Charlotte Kelly.
“His barn name is Morley,” Smith said of On Tour, a 12-year-old Welsh Pony gelding. “He’s really sweet; he loves cookies and hugs and kisses.”
The pair jumped around for a score of 92 in round one, and as the only pair to score in the 90s, they were the ones to watch returning for the handy round.
“His first round was really smooth because we had the same canter the whole time,” Smith explained of her first trip around the field. “It didn’t change or get faster. His handy was really good but I liked his first round better.”
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