27-04-2025
Shane Sweetnam second at Kentucky International Grand Prix
Two-time Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam and the Patrick Connolly-bred James Kann Cruz (ISH) secured a runner-up finish in Saturday night's $400,000 five-star Grand Prix, in front of a packed crowd at the Kentucky International in the USA.
Nine of the 40 starters made it through to the jump-off, where Sweetnam completed a double-clear performance aboard the 12-year-old gelding, crossing the line in 45.0 seconds for a secondplace finish.
World No 2 Kent Farrington (USA) and Greya claimed top honors with a blazing double-clear round in 42.93 seconds, while another American rider, Mimi Gochman, finished third with Inclen BH in 46.06.
"I knew when [Farrington] had gone that he had set the target and that I would have to do everything to catch him," Sweetnam said.
"For me, I didn't feel I was quick enough at the start, and then I was quicker towards the end. I could have been faster at the start, but my horse jumped great. I'm very happy with him."
"He's always a work in progress; he's got a lot of character and likes to do things his way. He always has," Sweetnam said of his and Gizmo Partners LLC's 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse.
"We have a good system at the moment and have had good results this year … he likes a crowd and likes to show off, and he's in a good place, but he's always a work in progress. He likes to throw spanners in the works, but he's worth the work."
Offaly's Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue finished seventh overall - one place ahead of Co Down's Conor Swail in eight place with Castunano.
