Irish rider Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z left the jump-off field trailing in their wake to claim this evening’s $300,000 Longines Hampton Classic Grand Prix at the five star meeting in Bridgehampton, New York.

“It feels amazing to win it,” said Moloney. “It’s something we think about all year round and to actually win it now feels great.”

Moloney was one of only five who mastered Alan Wade’s course first time out and the Irish rider was joined in the jump-off by last year’s winner Karen Polle, the American rider now jumping under the Japanese flag, who was once again riding With Wings. Home riders Beezie Madden (Quister de Guldenboom), Charlie Jacobs (Cassinja S) and Andrew Welles (Brindis Bogibo) completed the jump-off line-up.

Polle was first to go and went clear again in 41.54, but Madden then got around fractionally quicker in 41.33, only to be overhauled by Jacobs who pared more fractions off the time setting the new target at 41.12. Moloney then decisively took over at the top with a clear in 39.57 and last-one-in Welles stayed clear but was some way off Moloney’s pace and had to settle for third in 41.15.

Moloney, who netted $99,000 (88,700 euro) for the victory, also won the Longines Rider Challenge at the show for the third time in four years. Mike Dunne.