A blink would have missed the difference between first and second as Farrington bested the closest challenger, Jordan Coyle (IRL) aboard longtime partner Ariso (Casall x Contender), owned by Elan Farm. Over tracks set by course designer Olaf Petersen Jr., the margin between their times was just over a half a second; Farrington breaking the timer beam in 31.05 seconds and Coyle in 31.59. Twenty-year-old Skylar Wireman (USA) capped the podium in third aboard Barclino B (Constanzehof's Barcley x Lasino) in 32.53 seconds. 

Coming off a Grand Prix win in the irons of Greya (Colestus x Contender) at the season opener in Traverse City just two weeks ago, Farrington returned to top call in Toronto – this time aboard Myla. 

“[Myla’s] natural foot speed across the ground is incredibly fast, which is a big advantage in a small arena,” Farrington said. “Running is our normal speed – so for me – I don't really worry about the time allowed. If I do my normal tempo, it’s usually going to be good enough.” The Holsteiner mare owned by Haity McNerny earned her last victory on the world’s biggest stage at CHIO Aachen in Germany this July before rejoining the North American circuit. 

“She's just 10 years old, which on the trajectory of an international horse is on the front side of their career,” said Farrington, who took over the world no. 1 title earlier this year. “She's already had some top results and great wins. She's been a big contributor to me getting back to world number-one.” 

Farrington’s own Team KPF sat fourth coming into MLSJ Toronto. The eight points he earned on Thursday moved his team to second, just two points off the Roadrunners’ lead at the top of the week.

Of the new format that earns MLSJ team riders points in the CSI5* Qualifier and Grand Prix, Farrington said, “I think that that's the future of The League. It’s great for the whole team to have more camaraderie, for team owners to have more support in all classes, and I think it aligns the best athletes and the best horses to have a contribution to the team.”