Wellington, Florida, USA – Saturday, February 29, 2020 – Darragh Kenny (IRL) led a twelve-horse jump-off with a speedy finish in Saturday’s $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m National Grand Prix riding Important de Muze, owned by Kerry Anne LLC.

The Irishman and the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Erco van’T Roosakker x Nabab de Reve) posted a time of 35.96 seconds to best an international field.

“My horse felt really good in the first round, and the course was straightforward as I walked it,” said Kenny of Ken Krome’s track. “Going into the jump-off, I felt confident with my horse because he is quite experienced and he has done a good number of these classes. I knew I could do one less stride than most of my competitors from one to two and then I had to stay on and hope it went well.”

Kenny has had the ride on Important de Muze for more than a year and developed a strong partnership with the mount.

Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Important de Muze

“He has been a super horse for me,” said Kenny, who has been a familiar face at WEF for the last decade, and is having a memorable 2020 season with consistent top results. “This year has been great, and they have done a great job with the footing in the International Arena which has made a big difference.”

Behind Kenny in second place, McLain Ward (USA) rode his own Mundill to a time of 36.555 seconds. Finishing close behind in third place was Jessica Mendoza (GBR) aboard Dollar Girl, producing a clear round with a time of 36.827 seconds for owner Winsor Farms.

Fourth place was claimed  by Antonio Martinez, Jr. (VEN) and Forman De Virton, owned by Tack Up Stable Corp. with no penalties and a final and a time of 37.553 seconds. Rounding out the top five, it was Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) riding Van De Emma to a time of 39.093 seconds for owner Oakridge Farm.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release by Lindsay Brock, Sabrina Brashares, and Juliana Chapman / Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions

Photos: © Sportfot