Darragh Kenny fulfilled a lifelong aspiration by clinching the title at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup in London aboard his 12-year-old mount, Eddy Blue. He outperformed Ben Maher, the two-time champion who rode the 10-year-old stallion Point Break in this thrilling competition held at the ExCeL arena. The course, designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral and Colm Quinn, featured 12 challenging obstacles and tested riders’ technical skills without being overly demanding on the horses.

The first round yielded only five clear rounds from 37 entrants. Tim Gredley, Sophie Hinners, and Ben Maher also delivered faultless performances to advance to the jump-off. Kenny set the pace with a precise execution, clocking in at 34.76 seconds, while Maher secured second with a time of 35.15 seconds after a minor hiccup. After a mix of excitement and relief, Kenny celebrated his win, noting his admiration for the course design and Eddy Blue’s remarkable capabilities, calling him the “maybe the best horse I’ve ever had.”

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup is an elite series of show jumping competitions held globally, showcasing top equestrian talent. The London International Horse Show relocated to the ExCeL arena in 2021, allowing for larger competitions and modern facilities. Course design plays a critical role in these events, balancing difficulty with the capabilities of both horse and rider. The Western European League features several qualifiers leading up to the World Cup finals, attracting top competitors and significant audiences.

Darragh Kenny’s victory at the London leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup showcases his skill and the prowess of his horse, Eddy Blue. The competition highlighted the importance of technicality in course design, allowing for both excitement and challenging tests for riders. As the series continues, Kenny’s win marks a significant achievement in his career, adding to the competitive intensity of the league.

Original Source: www.theplaidhorse.com

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Lewis Hamilton is embarking on a farewell tour as he prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari next season. Over this week, he will bid farewell to team members and sponsors after 12 successful years with Mercedes, which includes 246 races, 84 wins, and multiple championships. Starting in Kuala Lumpur with a visit to Mercedes sponsor Petronas, Hamilton is excited to reconnect with familiar faces before attending a series of farewell events in Germany, concluding with the team’s Christmas party. Throughout the tour, Mercedes has publicly acknowledged Hamilton’s contribution with thank-you messages across major cities. He is set to debut with Ferrari in early 2025 during a confidential testing event.

Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of one of the most successful team-driver relationships in Formula 1 history. This transition to Ferrari is significant, and Hamilton’s farewell tour highlights his long-standing connections with the Mercedes team and its supporters. The farewell also reflects the emotional weight of closing this chapter in his career and the anticipation of his new beginnings with Ferrari, where he aims to contribute similarly to his time at Mercedes.

Hamilton’s farewell tour encapsulates a blend of nostalgia and excitement as he transitions from Mercedes to Ferrari. With numerous engagements planned, including heartfelt farewells to team members and sponsors, he is set to leave a lasting legacy at Mercedes. The visible displays of appreciation from Mercedes also underline the impact Hamilton has had in his 12 years with the team, making this farewell both a celebration and a significant closing of a successful era in his career.

Original Source: www.autosport.com

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