Show Jumping - Babington Second In Florida's Ocala Grand Prix

Ireland's Kevin Babington kept up his sparkling form at the four-star show in Ocala, Florida, with a second place in tonight's Grand Prix.

Following their two clear rounds in Friday's US Nations' Cup that helped the Irish team claim outright victory, Tipperary-born Babington tonight again partnered the ten year-old mare Shorapur, and came within a fifth of a second of claiming the first prize.

Delivering a foot-perfect clear first round, the Pennsylvania-based Irish rider was one of seven combinations through to the jump-off from a starting field of 39, and took the lead with yet another zero-penalty performance in the second round when third-last to jump.

However, US Olympian Laura Kraut and her experienced 17 year-old grey gelding Cedric managed to nudge Babington into the runner-up spot and took 36,000 euro along with the Grand Prix winner's trophy. Babington settled for the 22,000 euro second place prize.