Darragh Kenny had a weekend to remember at Old Salem Farm in New York, picking up two four-star wins in quick succession.

It started on Thursday, when Kenny took the top spot in the two-phase challenge aboard Serendepety. He followed that up with a fifth-place finish on Chaccoletto in the same class, before returning 24 hours later to secure a second victory. This time, it was with the aptly named Lightning, an eight-year-old mare, in another two-phase event at the International Arena.

The Offaly man and Lightning delivered a double clear in 34 seconds flat to take the win.

“I’m not sure how we pulled it off,” Kenny said afterwards. “Lightning’s a fast horse, and we did pretty much the same turns as Sydney (Shulman Desiderio), who’s also quick. It just came together for me today—it could easily be Sydney’s day tomorrow.”

Kenny, who runs Oakland Stables, was full of praise for Lightning: “She’s only eight, but I’m very happy with her. I think she’ll be one to watch in the future.”

Kenny wasn’t done there, later guiding Chaccoletto to fourth in the 1.50m Welcome Stakes. Fellow Irish rider Simon McCarthy, from Cork, had a strong week too, taking second in a two-star class on Thursday with Narcotique v/h Dingenshof.

The week wrapped up with the $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup, where Kenny finished fourth after a tight jump-off. Stephen Moore led the Irish charge in that one, claiming second on Colibelle Hero Z. The winner was Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa, former Irish team coach, who guided Starman to victory in 34.03 seconds.

It was a strong showing all around for the Irish contingent, with Kenny leaving New York with a few more top results under his belt.