Showjumping stallion VDL Cartello (Darragh Kenny) retires

The nice showjumping stallion VDL Cartello has been retired from the game on the age of 17.

Heathman Farm’s tremendous gray son of Cartani x Lord’s remaining look within the ring got here within the Rolex grand prix of Geneva on Sunday (15 December) and common rider Darragh Kenny described it as “an emotional weekend”.

Paying tribute to the stallion who took him to 2 Olympic Video games and whose most latest five-star victory got here within the Monterrey grand prix final month, Darragh informed H&H VDL Cartello has been a really “sensible horse”.

“He’s been sensible for me for such a very long time,” stated Darragh. “However we knew it was the suitable time.

“I needed him to retire very wholesome and feeling superb so I’m simply comfortable he may retire in such a great way. He’s additionally a breeding stallion, so he’ll begin his breeding season subsequent 12 months.”

Darragh Kenny driving Cartello within the Olympic showjumping particular person qualifier on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Video games.

VDL Cartello: so constant throughout a glittering profession

The impeccably bred VDL Cartello, a half-brother to the mighty stallion Cardento, started life at Stall Witt in Germany. Nice Britain’s James Billington produced him by his early years, taking him as much as CSI5* degree, adopted by Eire’s Cormac Hanley and Lorcan Gallagher. US-based Darragh took the reins in 2021, competing on the Tokyo Olympics only a few months later the place they certified for the person remaining.

Darragh and VDL Cartello jumped double clear within the Nations Cup Closing of Barcelona in addition to the Aga Khan Trophy in Dublin this 12 months, and completed fourth within the Rolex grand prix of Geneva in 2021 alongside many different top-tier placings.

Darragh picked out VDL Cartello’s two Olympic appearances – he was chosen because the alternate for Paris 2024 in addition to the Tokyo Video games – in addition to their fourth-place end within the Tremendous Grand Prix of Prague and his five-star Monterrey grand prix victory final month as simply a few of his glittering profession highlights.

“He was positioned prime six in round 12 five-star grands prix with me. He’s been wonderful,” stated Darragh, who has additionally credited Cartello’s “scope, perspective and rideability” as simply a few of his successful attributes. “He’s simply an unbelievable horse.”

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H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her function as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her all over the world reporting from reveals and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a driving teacher and yard supervisor.