Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue topped a large jump-off field to win the $116,100 CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival, marking Kenny’s first week back after FEI clearance
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Darragh kenny wins WEF Challenge Cup round 7
Darragh Kenny of Ireland won the $116,100 Adequan® CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. The victory came during Week 7 of the 12-week WEF season at Wellington International.
Kenny and his 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Eddy Blue, posted a clear, fast jump-off to top a field of eleven combinations that advanced to the deciding round. Their performance produced the leading time on an evening of high-caliber international competition.
The WEF circuit continues through March 29, offering further CSI5* classes and prize events for top riders and horses. The result reinforces Kenny’s standing among elite show jumping riders this season.
The result reinforces Kenny’s standing among elite show jumping riders this season.
Beyond the result, the moment carried added significance. Kenny had only recently been allowed to resume international competition after the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) lifted a provisional suspension. That clearance, granted on February 13, followed a provisional suspension issued on October 13 after a positive test at the FEI European Championships. The victory therefore served as both a sporting statement and a personal milestone for the Irish Olympian.
How the jump-off unfolded
Kenny moved smoothly from the first round into the jump-off. He produced a clear opening round that secured his place among the leaders. In the deciding phase he adopted an aggressive line and maintained strong rhythm over the short course. The pair negotiated the final double and the last oxer without faults. Rivals attempted faster tracks but were unable to combine speed with faultless rounds. Judges awarded the win on the basis of time and clean jumping, confirming Kenny as the winner of the class.
Judges awarded the win on the basis of time and clean jumping, confirming Kenny as the winner of the class.
Course designer Andy Christiansen (ECU) laid out a demanding jump-off that rewarded boldness and precision. Eleven riders returned for the tiebreaker. Kenny produced a fast, faultless line and stopped the clock at 37.90 seconds. Close behind, compatriot Bertram Allen finished in 39.12 seconds aboard Conquest de Rigo. American Charlotte Jacobs placed third with a time of 40.01 seconds on North Star’s Playboy JT Z. The tight margins underlined the competition’s intensity and the value of split-second decisions in jump-offs.
Rider perspective and team dynamics
Riders described the course as technically exacting and physically demanding. Many credited careful course reconnaissance and ride planning for successful rounds. Teams emphasised coordination between rider, trainer and grooms to optimise warm-up, tack fit and horse readiness. Support staff also played a role in rapid adjustments between the first round and the jump-off.
The result carries implications for season rankings and selection discussions within national teams. Officials said consistent clear rounds under pressure are a key metric for future team nominations. Observers noted that small tactical choices in the jump-off separated podium finishers from the rest of the field.
Support team and horse management
Kenny attributed the result to small tactical choices and to contrasting ride styles between the top mounts. He said Bertram’s horse adopts a long-striding approach that can cover ground rapidly. By contrast, his own mount, Eddy Blue, offered extensive jump-off experience, a quality Kenny described as decisive in short, high-pressure rounds.
Kenny also thanked the owners and the stable team for maintaining the horses during his temporary absence. He acknowledged Bertram Allen by name for riding and preparing Eddy Blue before Kenny returned to the irons.
He credited the horse’s owners, grooms and stable staff for sustaining a consistent training programme while his competition status was uncertain. Kenny said their daily care kept the horses physically prepared and mentally steady.
Kenny also praised Bertram Allen for stepping in to ride Eddy Blue ahead of his return. He said the smooth handover preserved the horse’s peak condition and confidence going into the WEF class.
What’s next on the season calendar
Following the smooth handover that preserved the horse’s peak condition and confidence, trainer Kenny said he will target higher-grade events with Eddy Blue this week.
Kenny plans to enter the horse in marquee five-star fixtures, including the $500,000 Modon CSI5* Grand Prix on February 21. The class will run under the Saturday Night Lights format.
He described the entry as a step to test competition readiness rather than a final objective. Kenny said the team will monitor recovery and form between starts.
Longer-term goals
Kenny outlined ambitions beyond the immediate program. He named the season finale, a Rolex Series Grand Prix and larger international championships as targets.
He emphasised a measured approach while rebuilding competition momentum. Kenny said careful planning is necessary to protect the horse’s welfare and long-term prospects.
Owners and stable staff will continue to shape the campaign, he added, with selections to be confirmed as results and the horse’s condition dictate.
Owners and stable staff will continue to shape the campaign, he added, with selections to be confirmed as results and the horse’s condition dictate. Looking beyond immediate targets, Kenny said ambitions include entry to top-level Rolex Series events and selection for major championships.
He described the current phase as one of rebuilding competitive rhythm and identified the WEF season as an ideal platform to accumulate form and confidence ahead of those commitments. The measured approach reflects optimism tempered by awareness of the demands of elite show jumping.
The evening at Wellington represented more than a single victory; it marked a return to top-level sport for Darragh Kenny and a reaffirmation of the capabilities of Eddy Blue. Their performance in the CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 combined resilience with technical precision, and it set a positive tone for the weeks of international competition remaining at WEF.
