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Top Irish rider invests in British-bred talent

Jennifer Donald Jennifer Donald

    • William Funnell has sold one of his most exciting home-bred seven-year-olds to Irish rider Darragh Kenny.

    The talented Billy Dorito (Billy Mexico x Vechta) has been snapped up by Darragh, who also bought the Billy Stud-bred Billy Onslow at the start of this year. Like Onslow, Billy Dorito will be heading to Wellington, Florida, where the Irishman spends the winter competition season.

    “Billy Dorito was clear all the way through in the seven-year-old championships to finish third and won the bonus for jumping clear every day, so I think he’s a really top horse — truly exceptional” William told H&H. “He’s the one I’ve been most excited about and I’m sure he’ll go on to be a grand prix horse, even a championship horse.

    “Onslow went very well in Florida for Darragh and he sold him on well and since then he and I have kept in contact. I’d love Billy Dorito to have stayed in the UK, but actually the next best thing is that these good young horses go to a top rider because when you breed a nice horse, you want it to have every chance to fulfil its potential and Darragh is a world class rider.”

    “I’ve still got Dorito’s mother and siblings so it’s worth it as it helps with the value of the next crop — and helps promote British breeding in general.”

    Darragh will make his competition debut on Billy Dorito at the Winter Equestrian Festival which starts in January.

    “He’s a very exciting horse for the future,” Darragh told H&H. “He’s a real quality horse and the aim is to produce him as best I can.

    “William always told me he had this very exciting young horse and I just happened to be in England at a time that was right to try him. I loved him straight away.”

    For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

    Jennifer Donald
    Jennifer Donald

    H&H showjumping editor
    Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
    Jennifer Donald

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