Kilkenny rider Seamus Hughes-Kennedy enjoys huge success in Rome

Danesfort Show Jumping rider Seamus Hughes-Kennedy recorded two of the biggest results of his career last weekend, at the prestigious five-star Italian Nations Cup show in Rome.

The 23-year-old claimed his first ever five-star win on Saturday evening, when he finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Six Bar competition.

Riding the 9-year-old gelding MHS Cosmo (ISH), who was bred in Kilkenny by Sinead Brennan, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, along with Switzerland's Bryan Balsiger and Italy's Giacomo Bassi, jumped clear in the first three rounds before each of the trio picked up four faults in the final round to tie for first place.

Hughes Kennedy then qualified to jump in Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix of Rome which included some of the world's top horses and riders.

Riding the 10-year-old gelding ESI Rocky (ISH), who was bred by Ennisnag Stud in Stoneyford Co Kilkenny, Seamus produced another outstanding performance, jumping a double clear round on his way to a fourth-place finish. 

Irish riders have in the past won the famous Rome Grand Prix on five occasions - Denis Lynch with Brooklyn Heights in 2022 and Lantinus in 2008.

Eddie Macken and Boomerang lifted the trophy in 1978, after Billy Ringrose and Loch an Easpaig won it in 1961, while John Lewis and Limerick Lace were the first Irish winners of the Rome Grand Prix back in 1938.

The outstanding Rome results for Seamus Hughes Kennedy are another milestone in what has been a fantastic career to date for the young athlete, who claimed a double of gold medals at the 2023 U21 European Championships.