The first round of the FEI Longines Jumping World Cup in Fort Worth delivered world-class sport. The excitement lasted until the very last combination. Early in the class, Kent Farrington took the lead with the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare, Toulayna (Toulon). After the drag break, Daniel Deusser came close to the lead with Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago). Steve Guerdat starts the championship in third place with the 12-year-old sBs gelding, Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte (Bamako de Muze).
Aaron Vale kicked off the competition with Carissimo 25 (Cascadello). "Starting first brought its share of pressure. I liked the course walk; I just wanted to go for it. My horse jumped super, so the feeling is good for the coming days," the American shared. "It’s fantastic that this final is taking place in my 'backyard.' If you had told me as a child that a World Cup Final would one day be held here, I never would have believed it."
Shortly after, Lillie Keenan and her 12-year-old Warrior son, Kick On, recorded the fastest time. "Kick On gave everything today. It felt like I was very fast, but apparently, it wasn’t quite enough." Ultimately, Kent Farrington sharpened the clock with the Jasper Doucé-bred Toulayna (Toulon).
As the final starter before the break, Steve Guerdat guided his Belgian-bred Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte (Bamako de Muze) under Keenan's time, temporarily claiming second place.
Deusser shakes up the standings
Daniel Deusser entered the ring with his trusted Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago). Together with the H. Vernick-bred stallion, Deusser finished in 62.21 seconds. He came very close to Kent Farrington's time and pushed Steve Guerdat down to third, followed by Lillie Keenan, Aaron Vale, and Abdel Said.
American Jacob Pope made his World Cup Final debut with the 14-year-old KWPN stallion Highway FBH (Plot Blue). He thrilled the crowd with a clear round in 63.89 seconds, securing fifth place just behind Lillie Keenan.
Gregory Wathelet started with Guerdat's former horse, Double Jeu d'Honvault (Kannan). The pair knocked the front rail of the liverpool and picked up another fault later in the course. With two combinations remaining, Wathelet finished in 24th place.
Kent Farrington is the crowd favorite
"I’m really happy the first day is behind us," says Kent Farrington. "My mare proved once again today that I can truly count on her. Most of the course went according to plan. I wanted to stick to my own routine and not focus too much on the other combinations. I really hope I can maintain this form, but it’s still a long road to the finish!"
