OFFALY’s Darragh Kenny and the 17-year-old stallion VDL Cartello recorded a brilliant runner-up finish in Sunday’s €2 million CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows in Canada – part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

A world class field of riders were looking to etch their names into the history books as they pursued one of the most coveted titles in the sport and just three combinations jumped clear in the first two rounds to set up a tense third round jump-off against the clock.

With the riders returning in the same order in which they jumped in the previous round, it was Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs who was first to return to the sunbathed arena. Fuchs and the striking grey gelding, Leone Jei, set the pace in an impressive time of 40.22 seconds, collecting four faults. Kenny was next to go and was hoping that a steady clear could seal victory, however he picked up four jumping and two time faults. Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM were last to go, and when they crossed the line with eight faults, Fuchs would take the victory ahead of Kenny and second and Deusser in third.

Back-to-back

Fuchs has now claimed back-to-back titles at Spruce Meadows and it comes just over a month after he also won a Rolex Grand Prix at the Dublin Horse Show with Conner Jei.

Speaking on his win, Fuchs stated: “To be honest, I am a little bit shocked and surprised to win – you don’t expect to win when you have two of the best riders behind you. Today really was my day, and so I am very happy. It was hard to be the first into the jump-off; the wait was incredibly nerve-wracking!”

The Swiss rider continued: “Leone Jei is an incredible horse, and he has such an amazing jump. He always performs so well in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Majors – he is an unreal partner to have. The courses that we jump here are some of the toughest in the world; they really challenge the riders and the horses. You need to be 100% focused and confident, as well as have the courage to jump these impressive fences to be able to win here. I love coming here – it is a very special place to me.”

During the competition, the CEO and President of Spruce Meadows, Linda Southern-Heathcott, announced the exciting news that next year the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, would have an increased prize fund totalling $5 million in honour of 50 years of international competition at the venue.