Ireland’s Denis Lynch & RMF Echo, winners of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Lexington. ph: FEI / Ashley Neuhof.
Six months ago, Denis Lynch of Ireland almost lost his ride on RMF Echo. In May, the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Virus de Laubry x Feo) was about to be sold out of Lynch’s stables, but owners Monica and Frank McCourt of Rushy Marsh Farm stepped up to purchase the chestnut so that he could stay with Lynch.
That proved a worthwhile decision on the night of Saturday, November 4, 2017, when the duo prevailed over a world-class field to win the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington (USA) at the Kentucky Horse Park’s CP National Horse Show.
“[RMF Echo] ended up in our stable this winter, and I was actually short a horse,” Lynch recalled. “Then, I started jumping him in some shows at the beginning of the year, and he started progressing to a better horse. He was sold after [CSI5* Versailles (FRA)], and I was very, very lucky that Rushy Marsh stepped in overnight and secured me the horse, which I’m incredibly grateful for. It was incredible. I’m very, very lucky to have him.”
Thirty eight horse and rider combinations took to the course designed by Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt, with Lynch and “Echo” being one of nine pairs to advance to the jump-off.
“Echo has got his own special way of jumping, but he’s got an incredible heart and tries a lot for his rider and gives everything,” commented Lynch. “The most important thing is what’s in their head, and he wants to keep the jumps up.”
They blazed through the shortened track in a time of 36.16s, overtaking the lead from Switzerland’s Beat Mändli and the nine-year-old KWPN mare Dsarie (Veron x Ahorn), winners in last week’s Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington (USA).
Mändli ultimately finished 3rd with a time of 37.80s.
“I just rode my round, and I’m just super happy with [Dsarie],” said Mändli. “She was super last week [in Washington]. Coming back after that and jumping double-clear again today, I’m super happy for my horse.”
Lauren Tisbo of the United States and the ten-year-old stallion Coriandolo di Ribano (Cassini II x Baldini) slotted into 2nd, narrowly missing the top spot when crossing the timers in 36.52s.
“My horse had a little time off, and we really geared him toward this show, so I’m really thrilled with the result,” commented Tisbo.
Lynch and Echo have been partners on the rated circuit since December of 2016, with this marking their third win together.
“I went as quickly as I could,” Lynch said. “Echo is a naturally very, very quick horse. He’s been unlucky a few times this year, when he’s been beaten at the post. I think there were three or four grand prix where he finished second. I think he really deserved it tonight.”
The North American League continues at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in Toronto (CAN) on Wednesday, 11 November 2017.
Full results can be viewed here.
For the current North American League – Eastern Sub-League Standings, visit this link.
For the current North American League – Western Sub-League
Standings, visit this link.
For the current Western European League Standings, visit this link.