Greenwich, Connecticut – September 27, 2024 – Despite cloudy skies for much of the contest, the sun was out for a dynamic duo at the Greenwich Polo Club on opening day of the 2024 Major League Show Jumping season at the CSI Greenwich. As the prelude to five-star competition, high-caliber action got underway with the running of the $31,200 Artemis Farms CSI 2*.
A master of his own craft, Alan Wade (IRL) was attributed with the task of elaborating the tests for the week. In the end, it was the star of another Irishman, Darragh Kenny (IRL), with Serendepety, who shone the brightest, setting the tone for a weekend of top sport.
How It All Unfolded
One of the early pathfinders, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) took the early lead in the 1.45m speed challenge, guiding Pandora van de Kruishoeve flawlessly across the finish line in 62.52 seconds, leading much of the class.
Wade‘s (IRL) two doubles were provided the most difficulty, being the bogey jumps: obstacle number five, mainly element A, composed of an oxer-vertical after a bending line from the precious fence and at the end of the course, a vertical-oxer double that caught a lot of competitors. Combinations came and went out of the ring, yet no one could overcome the benchmark set by the Belgian, and nobody managed to lower the time.
After the first drag break the Belgian still held the lead but there were several other speedy pairs to come. Known for going fast, Mark Bluman (COL) gave it a good run on Kenya RM, temporarily taking over second place despite being over two second slower. It seemed that the outcome had been decided….
“Doubles no Trouble” for Darragh
However, the 1.45m challenge hadn’t featured the eventual winners. Darragh Kenny (IRL) entered the ring with a determined look on his face aboard the Beerbaum Stables’ 9-year-old chestnut Hanoverian mare (Stolzenberg x Escudo) and the Irishman meant business. Being deceptively fast across the track, Kenny blazed to victory aboard Serendepety, sealing the deal in 60.43 seconds.
Positions were not alteread as Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) remained in second place while Mark Bluman (ISR) completed the podium.
Final Results – $31,200 Artemis Farms CSI 2*
1) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Serendepty – 0 – 60.43
2) Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) & Pandora van de Kruishoeve – 0 – 62.52
2) Mark Bluman (COL) & Kenya RM – 0 – 64.59
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © Hannah Stephens / Elysian Media for Jumper News
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Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Ireland
