Featuring an elite lineup of 35 A-list combinations, Ivan Tagle’s (ARG) first-round track asked questions appropriate of its heavy-hitting field. Despite its challenges, many athletes rose to the task, and the event’s jump-off field ultimately consisted of 12 entries, including Olympians Kent Farrington, Daniel Bluman (ISR), and Tiffany Foster (CAN). Despite dynamite efforts and double-clear rounds from all but three jump-off competitors, Farrington expertly piloted Kent Farrington LLC’s ten-year-old KWPN mare (Dexter R x Caricello) to a two-second lead in 35.80 seconds.

“Kanny-Fee is quite behind for her age, but I think she is a big jumping horse for the future,” explained Farrington. “She’s a very thoroughbred type with a giant stride and big scope, and she has a little bit of her own way of going. With those kind of horses, they have to find their own way in the ring, which might not always be conventional, but if they want to be careful and fast they can be great horses.”

While taking his string to various venues across the country and the globe, Farrington can typically be found at the Hudson Valley venue to benefit his up-and-comers.

“We’ve got a great place to develop horses and compete here,” he stated. “With good footing, good jumps, and good competition, what more can you ask for?”

The HITS Hudson Valley IV grand-prix-winning combination of Daniel Bluman and Gemma W put forward another top-tier effort to land in second place. Bluman and the Over The Top Stables LLC’s 14-year-old KWPN mare (Luidam x Unaniem) landed clean and clear in 37.35 seconds for the runner-up position. Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) once again found herself in the winner’s circle, capturing both third with Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Casallco x Cornet Obolensky), Cayetana, and fourth with Los Angeles de la Cense.