Darragh Kenny scooped the top prize in today’s $86,000 Ruby et Violette Challenge Cup contest at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

The Irish rider kept the 20-strong jump-off field at arms length with a second clear on Billy Onslow in 33.33 to claim the $28,380 top prize.

billy
Darragh Kenny and Billy Onslow in their winning presentation with ringmaster Steve Rector.

Only home rider Margie Engle on Royce threatened to undo Kenny, but fell short by almost a second.

Third went to Canadian Nicole Walker on her newly-acquired Falco van Spieveld, the former mount of Irish riders Deane Rogan and Cameron Hanley, almost four second behind the winner.

Also today, in the $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1m45 class, Ireland’s Conor Swail took third on Rubers LS La Silla, with Kenny also in the frame in fourth place on Diamond D.

The contest was won by Chile’s Samuel Parot on Quick Du Pottier while American Lisa Goldman finished second on Sovereign.

Mike Dunne