DARRAGH Kenny set a conservative time to beat at Desert International Horse Park in California on Wednesday, but it proved to be enough for a win in the $76,100 five-star qualifier during the coveted Major League Show Jumping Final event.

The Irish Olympian, ranked 17th in the World, said he was not expecting the win.

“There were some really fast horses and riders behind me, so I thought for sure somebody was going to catch me,” Kenny said. “There were a lot of people faster, they just had one down.”

“I was not expecting it at all but he jumped great,” said Kenny of California Pie, an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding (Captain Cooper x Ramiro’s Son) after what was their first FEI victory together. “I thought I could go quick and try to stay smooth and it turned out that it paid off.”

Kenny’s win put him in the pole position for today’s five-star Grand Prix under the lights with attention also now turning to the $1 Million Cabana Coast Team Final, in which Kenny’s own Trelawny Trailblazers will look to defend their current lead to claim the 2023 season championship title.

“I think we’re in a quite solid position with three really good people that will jump Saturday night. We just have to keep it together!”

Also representing Ireland at the same event this week was the Cruising gelding Rincoola Milsean (ISH), bred in Longford by Harold McGahern. He and US rider Charlotte Jacobs took home top honours in the $76,100 CAD Table A 1.50m class.