The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ presented by Agria, the pinnacle Jumping competition of the Show, brought together the world’s best horse and rider combinations looking to claim a share of the €180,000 prize fund as well as a place at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Basel in April.
To the delight of the home crowd, it was Britain’s Tim Gredley, riding Imperial HBF, who posted the first clear of the competition. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny – already a winner at the Show earlier in the week – made sure of a jump-off in the early stages.
Bernardo Costa Cabral’s up-to-height 1.60m course presented challenges throughout, with the likes of World No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann, Britain’s double Olympic champion Scott Brash and reigning European Champion Steve Guerdat accruing faults in the first round.
Germany’s Sophie Hinners – winner of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ leg in Verona last month – riding Iron Dames my Prins added their name to the list of those going through to the second round. Ben Maher, defending champion of this class following his emphatic victory in 2023, showed his class with a brilliant round aboard Point Break to bring the number of clear rounds up to four. Robert Whitaker ensured the famous Whitaker dynasty was represented in the jump-off, riding the 11-year-old black stallion Vermento.
In total, five of the 37 starters progressed through to the jump-off, with Gredley getting the action underway, however four faults en route left the door open to those who followed. Kenny, riding Eddy Blue, put on a brilliant demonstration of speed and agility, jumping clear to set the standard with a time of 34.76 seconds.
Ben Maher had the crowd on the edge of their seat, giving his all, however his time of 35.15 seconds was only enough for second place. It was left to Whitaker, last to go in the jump-off, as the only rider able to secure the home victory, however four faults meant Kenny claimed the first Irish win of the London leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ presented by Agria since 2007.
The World No. 19 said: “It’s a Show that I always love to come to, I’ve watched it since I was a little kid, it’s one of the best shows of the year, and to have won this World Cup is pretty cool. I knew going into the ring that I had to be fast because those boys are brilliant and they’re all on form, so I knew I had to really throw it down, but Eddy Blue was unbelievable and jumped great, so it worked out. It’s hard with Ben coming behind you, you never know if you’ve done enough, he’s one of the best riders in the world, so it was a wait and wish situation.”
On claiming the Leading Rider of the Show award, Kenny continued: “I didn’t start strongly, but it ended up being a good week and this caps it off. The crowd here is unbelievable, they’re so fun and it’s brilliant to put on a good show for them.”
