Ireland’s Darragh Kenny spoiled the French party in last night’s speed class at the four-star meeting at Rouen when partnering Cassini Z to an emphatic win.

French riders held the top three places in the event before the Offaly rider blitzed home to take the contest with almost two seconds to spare.

A third of the field still had to jump, but the top three places remained unchanged as Kenny held on from Julien Gonin (Une Etoile Landese) and third-placed Reynald Angot (Vintadge de la Roque).

Kenny was Ireland’s last hope in the event after Dermott Lennon and Fleur IV had four faults and Billy Twomey with Ardcolum Duke had twelve.

On the opening day of the five-star FEI World Cup meeting in Stuttgart, Germany yesterday Michael G. Duffy and Chappo Chey were best of the Irish when finishing eighth in the two-phase contest.

Victory went to Belgium’s Francois Mathy Jr. on Falco van de Clehoeve, ahead of German riders Felix Hassman (SL Brazonado) and Daniel Deusser (SX Hildago VG).