World number one Kent Farrington has won the first World Cup of the season. For the second year in a row, Farrington took victory in the CSI5* World Cup in Traverse City.
After a seven-horse jump-off, Farrington rode Greya (Colestus x Contender) to the win in 39.45 seconds. In the jump-off, American rider Spencer Smith was the first to deliver a clear round. With Keeneland (Carmena Z x Quattro B), he eventually had to settle for second place. Third place went to Jacob Pope and the Dutch-bred stallion Highway FBH (Plot Blue x Cornet Obolensky).
“Greya is still improving as a showjumper. Of course, I’m extremely proud of her win today,” said Farrington. “The big difference from last year? Greya is now more mature as a horse. I wasn’t aiming for the fastest jump-off, but rather focused on giving myself the best chance at a clear round. The course was built quite tough!”
“Greya’s understanding of the sport has evolved enormously,” the American continued. “We know each other much better now; I know how much time she needs before we start, which fences I should show her, where I can take risks, and so on.”
With Scoop de Septon (Hunters Scendro), Luis Sabino Gonçalves followed in fourth place, having one rail down in the jump-off. Karl Cook completed the top five aboard the 10-year-old Selle Français mare Foxy de la Roque (Armitages Boy).
