There were only three riders who would make the jump off in the ATB Financial Cup. For a second time today, both Farrington and Eric Lamaze (CAN) would find themselves in the three-man jump off joined by Ireland's Daniel Coyle. The win could have belonged to anyone as all three riders are known to lay down quick times. The fastest time was posted by Lamaze but a costly rail would put him into third place and open the door for Farrington to take another win, or Coyle to take his first of the season.
With the advantage of watching both Farrington and Lamaze complete their jump off rounds, Coyle knew he had to be fast and clear - and fast and clear he was. With a time of 40.05s Coyle and the chestnut mare Tienna claimed the victory.
Farrington and Coyle now have their sights set on the weekend and the RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex.
"If I can manage to ride her (Tienna) well enough, she usually leaves the jumps up"
- Daniel Coyle (IRL)
"I think it's important that even if there's not 100 horses in the competition that the standard is still kept high, which they do very well here (Spruce Meadows) "
- Kent Farrington (USA)
It was a great day two of the Spruce Meadows 'National' CSI5*, presented by Rolex for Kent Farrington of the United States. Since an unfortunate fall earlier this year that resulted in a severely broken leg, Farringtonhas been working to get back in the saddle and back to number one in the world. A tough track was laid out for the PwC Cup had only three riders post clear rounds to move forward into the jump off. Enrique Gonzalez (MEX), Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Kent Farrington were the only three riders to make it into the jump off. Gonzalez was up first and put the pressure on posting a clean jump off round. Lamaze followed with an incredibly quick time of 37.92 but with one rail it was not good enough for top spot. Last to go, Farrington had to be clean and fast. His mount Jasper, the nine year old Belgian Warmblood stallion, stepped up to the challenge and the duo posted a quick clear with a time of 40.75 to take the lead. "I think he's a really special horse, I have high hopes for him" commented Farrington on Jasper who he has only had the reins for six months.