Nicky Galligan & Lougherne Kingfisher Reel In Their First FEI Win in the $31,020 Dapper Horse Jumper Classic CSI 3*

By Jumper News on 2026-07-31

Saugerties, United States – July 30, 2026 – The final week of the Hits Hudson Valley Jumping Tour™ got underway on the morning of Thursday after an unexpected weather event delayed competition start by a day. The grounds were abuzz with action as international show jumpers and national hunter, jumper, and equitation riders finally geared up for the thrilling week ahead. With all eyes on the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium for the $31,020 Dapper Horse Jumper Classic CSI 3*, the heavy hitting field of athletes was eager to take home the first win of the week. At the class’s completion, it was the Irish anthem that rang loud across the arena, as Nicky Galligan (IRL) took the victory aboard Lougherne Kingfisher.

Just shy of 50 horse-and-rider duos battled it out for the title over FEI Level 4 course designer Olaf Petersen Jr.’s (GER) power-and-speed track. With five nations represented in the field, including Egypt, Ireland, Israel, Switzerland, and the United States, competitors brought their A-game, and the time to beat in the speed phase became the challenge to overcome.

**Nicholas Dello Joio** (USA) & **Cornet’s Cambridge**

As only the eighth in the starting order, Nick Dello Joio (USA) set the pace to match in a blazing time of 26.190 seconds. While many following did their best to overthrow the provisional leader, the new victor would not come until just over the halfway mark.

Piloting Blue Trim’s Lougherne Kingfisher, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Colestus x Limmerick), Galligan stopped the timers in an uncatchable 25.880 seconds for the ultimate win.

“Honestly, today is the best feeling she has given me in the ring, ability wise,” enthused Galligan. “I don’t think I really pushed her to go that fast, but she is just a very quick, efficient horse, and I’m really excited for what’s to come because I feel that she can get even quicker.”

From the time he first sat on the talented grey in October 2025 in Ireland, Galligan knew he liked the feeling on her back, even if he wasn’t in jumping tack.

“I actually had to ride her in a dressage saddle when I went to try her, and I didn’t even go over a pole with her before I knew she was a horse that I wanted to develop a partnership with,” he detailed. “I instantly loved how sensitive and attuned she was with me; it was like any question that I asked or any small movement I made, she was right there with me.”

The victory is the first international win for the up-and-coming mare, but no doubt the first of many to come.

“We developed her quietly over the winter in Wellington, and then just this spring we debuted her in some FEI classes,” added Galligan. “I’ve been aiming this week for months as our first 1.50m, so that will be tomorrow, and to have someone like Olaf [Petersen Jr] here and design a class like this is a real treat.”

**Jonathan Corrigan** (IRL) & **Hunter des Forets**

Dello Joio’s previous leading time with Cornet’s Cambridge, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Balou du Reventon x Cambridge 8) owned by The Berry’s Group, ultimately settled for the runner-up position, while Ireland picked up another podium placing as Jonathan Corrigan (IRL) rounded out the top three in a close 26.290 seconds with Hunter des Forets, North Edge Stables’ nine-year-old Selle Français gelding (Cicave du Talus*gfe x Cassini II).

Action across the Hits Hudson Valley venue resumes early on Friday, July 31, as show jumping athletes go against the clock in the $62,480 John Deere Welcome Stake CSI 3*, while across the way in the The Ring, hunter riders put the finishing touches on their flawless performances in an effort to secure the win in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group. International show jumping will then reach an exciting conclusion on Saturday, August 1, in a double-header, featuring the $31,020 Go Rentals Jumper Classic CSI 3* and the $116,050 Purina Animal Nutrition CSI3* Grand Prix. National competition continues through Sunday, August 2. For a full list of results, please visit showmanagementsystem.com.