Runner-up finish for Shane Sweetnam and CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) in $400,000 Kentucky five-star Grand Prix
Two-time Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam and the Patrick Connolly-bred CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) secured a runner-up finish in Saturday night’s $400,000 five-star Grand Prix, in front of a packed audience at 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 second place 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, would finish third with Inclen BH in 46.06.
As part of The Irish Horse Board’s remit to promote and market Irish-bred horses and Irish equestrian success worldwide, the IHB sponsored the highest-placed Irish-bred horse in the lucrative competition, and were delighted to present it to Shane Sweetnam and CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH). This was the second year in-a-row that Irish-bred horses finished on the podium in the $400,000 Kentucky Grand Prix after Rincoola Milsean (ISH) also took runner-up spot in 2024 with American rider Charlotte Jacobs.
Irish horses are also excelling in the Eventing competitions at Kentucky this weekend, with the Peter Brady-bred gelding Off The Record (ISH) holding the lead going into the final Show Jumping phase of the CCI4*-S.
“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 would finish seventh overall – one place ahead of Co Down’s Conor Swail in eight place with Castunano.
BREEDING
CSF James Kann Cruz (ISH) – 2013 gelding by Kannan out of CSF Telly Cruz by Cruising, bred by Patrick Connolly owned by Gizmo partners LLC. Ridden by Shane Sweetnam.
Off The Record (ISH) – 2009 Gelding by VDL Arkansas (KWPN) out of Drumagoldand Bay (ISH) by Ard Ohio (KWPN). Bred by Peter G Brady, Co. Cavan. Owned by Off The Record Syndicate. Ridden by Will Coleman (USA).