Darragh Kenny Takes the  $100,000 Budweiser FEI World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse

Holds off charging Hillary Dobbs in dramatic seven rider jump-off

October 31, 2009 (Syracuse, NY) – In a dramatic seven rider jump-off Ireland’s Darragh Kenny held off a late charge by the USA’s Hillary Dobbs to take the $100,000 Budweiser FEI World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse at the 2009 Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament.

Kenny edged Dobbs by a fraction of a second in the jump-off 36.24 seconds to 36.45 seconds. It was the first world cup qualifier win in four tries for the 21 year-old aboard his bay gelding Obelix, owned by Trade Winds Farm.

“My horse is very big, with a very, very big stride, and tonight he jumped amazingly,” said Kenny looking back on the event. “This opportunity has meant everything to me, to have the chance to ride in these classes with the horses I have.”

The Budweiser Cup continued a hot week for Dobbs at Syracuse aboard Quincy B, who leads in the standings for the tournament’s Animal Planet Cup finale on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m.

31 riders began the evening negotiating the impressive 13 fence course designed by Richard Jeffery of England that required speed but allowed no room for errors. Only seven riders were able to clear the course fault-less to advance to the jump-off. In addition to Kenny and Dobbs were Michelle Spadone of the USA who was the first to clear aboard Melisimo, 2008 winner Christine McCrea of the USA riding Vegas, Katie Prudent of France aboard Sassicaia II, and Ireland’s Dermott Lennon riding Hallmark Elite.

McCrea made it clear she intended to defend her title becoming the first of four to be clear in the jump-off with a time of 37.50 seconds. Dermott Lennon also cleared the course with a time falling just short at 38.42 seconds. Kenny’s 36.24 seconds followed leaving Dobbs as the final rider, the drama building barrier by barrier, but narrowly missed Kenny’s lead time as he went on to win his first World Cup qualifier.

“I just tried to be competitive” Dobbs said, understating her effort. “Darragh and I are very competitive with each other as you can see.” Reflecting on the course she added, “I could have started with more gallop, but looking back I don’t think I would have changed much.”

The 2009 Syracuse Invitational will wrap up Sunday with the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup. It will feature the seven top riders who have garnered points throughout the tournament’s five days of competition, beginning at 2 p.m. at the War Memorial in Syracuse. The afternoon will be highlighted by the retirement ceremony of legendary stallion Judgement ISF,  Beezie Madden’s partner in so many memorable championships. Owner Mary Alice Malone of Iron Spring Farm will be in attendance to take part in the ceremony.

Tickets are still available for the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup. Call or visit the Oncenter box office, (315) 435-2121 or through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.

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About the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament: Each fall, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament welcomes the top-ranked equestrians from across the US and the world to downtown Syracuse to compete at the War Memorial Arena in the Oncenter Complex. The event features a full slate of high-level competition, entertainment, shopping and exhibitions and runs October 28 to November 1, 2009. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Syracuse Invitational benefits Cornell University Equine Hospital and the Vera House.

Darragh Kenny Wins the $100,000 Budweiser FEI World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse Aboard Obelix.

Photos by Reflections Photography, Inc.