As a thrilling jump-off with only nine horses, unfolded in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Lexington in the USA, Kent Farrington changed his plan, which brought him to a victory. The world number seven had put the pressure on his competitors before he had even entered the arena. Knowing he, along with championship athletes Daniel Bluman, McLain Ward, Tiffany Foster and Margie Engle made up the final half of the lineup for Bernardo Costa Cabral's shortened course, athletes early in the start order repeatedly took risks, hoping to gain a winning edge. Instead, they were met with rails.
Farrington decided to adjust his strategy and instead sought a clear round that seemed to be efficient without laying everything on the line. This plan paid off, and he and his longtime partner in crime Gazelle (by Kashmir van Schuttershof) rode to the top of the list and remained there in this 4* World Cup. "It changed my strategy a lot," Farrington said. "I only had one rider after me, so I thought a neat clear was a smarter play."
Kent Farrington was the only double-clear performer of the evening, with a time of 35,96 seconds. The second place was for Ward and Contagious (by Contagio), who finished second in 32,60 seconds with one fault. Bluman and Ladriano Z (by Lawito) rode to a third place, also with one pole down in a time of 32,62 seconds. Just off the podium in fourth place was Tiffany Foster and Figor (by VDl groep Zagreb). The top five was closed of by Aaron Vale and Elusive (by Rodrigoo).
The spectacular winning round of Farrington and Gazelle, the 2020 United States Equestrian Federation International Horse of the Year, was ready for the occasion and jumped the first round enthusastically- so much so, Farrington lost his right stirrup with three jumping obstacles remaining on course. He rode the final fences without that stirrup, his position remaining brilliantly unchanged!
"In the first round, she was hyper careful, so it took a bit of jockeying around," Farrington said. "I thought the jump-off was a good opportunity to let her settle down and go for a cruise. Luckily that paid off for me with a win."
Farrington and Gazelle have been partners for quite some time now. Eight years and counting, their list of accolades is long, including an Olympic appearance this summer in Tokyo. But at 15 years of age, this mare still has more to give.
"This is an experienced horse. She's been an amazing horse for me and my career," Farrington said. "Robin Parksy (her co-owner) has been supportive of my management of this horse, and that's part of what has made her last so long."
Source: FEI press release
Gazelle and Farrington winning round.
