Kent Farrington & Dublin. Ph . ©Tori Repole for NF
Longines FEI World No. 1 ranked rider, Kent Farrington proved his title on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament CSI5* in Calgary, Alberta, Canada by picking up a double of wins aboard two of his talented mounts.
The inaugural day of the ‘North American’ tournament, presented by Rolex began with the Kubota Cup 1.50m competition and a roster of 71 top international athletes.
A challenging test was set by Spain’s Santiago Varela which presented a test toward the agility and efficiency of each combination. Of the notable roster, six would qualify on to the jump off against the clock.
Continuing his winning ways at Spruce Meadows Summer, Farrington aboard the 10 year-old gelding Dublin (Cobra x Calido), made it to the finish line with the blistering fast time of 36.65 seconds.
“What a great way to start,” said Farrington after the victory. “I really wanted to use the Summer Series to build Dublin into a top international horse, and there is no place better to do than at Spruce Meadows. This venue offers great courses, wonderful materials, superb footing and fierce competition. It is the best for finding out how good a horse can be.”
Following close behind for second place was Eric Lamaze of Canada riding Captain, a 10 year-old gelding owned by Gingras Equestrian Ltd. This new partnership has been one to watch within the 1.50m division, ending today on a double clear round with a time of 37.65 seconds. The pair look to be in fine form and on track for multiple podium finishes later this week in the ‘North American’ Tournament.
The final top three placing fell to the 26 year-old Zazou Hoffman of the USA. She rode the 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, Samson II, to the finish line as the last of three to finish on a double clear score card. Hoffman crossed the finish line with a time of 40.12 seconds.
With a great start to day one of the ‘North American’ Tournament presented by Rolex, guests enjoying the fantastic conditions were once again treated to another great win by World #1 Kent Farrington(USA).
Farrington & Uceko Take PWC Cup
Entering the competition on his incredibly talented Uceko, a 16-year-old gelding by Celano, the duo took control in the PWC Cup 1.55m. A starting roster of 41 top international athletes, representing 13 nations, would challenge the course designed by Varela. The challenging first round was mastered by seven paird who went on to an exciting jump off against the clock.
Following the win Farrington commented on his long time partner, “He’s really been a great horse for my career. I got him at the end of his 6 year-old year and he’s been a mainstay at my stable. Uceko really brought my career to an international level and I owe him a lot for that. I’m very proud that he is still able to go out and win like he did today.” Farrington continued, “Uceko is a special horse, he really has his own way to win – which is different from most of the other horses. He’s able to leave out strides that I don’t think many other horses can do while still leaving the fences up so that gives me a big advantage.”
Continuing a hot streak from last week’s ‘Pan American’ Tournament, young Fernando Martinez of Mexico once again arrived at the finish line with a blazing time that earned him yet another podium finish next to the top ranked Farrington. When describing his fantastic partner Cor Bakker, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Martinez said, “He is a very clever horse. He is incredibly quick across the ground but he’s also very careful.” He continued, “I am really just learning at this level – this is my first CSI5*, so I’m just thrilled with the fact that this horse has taken me here.”
Following close behind the top two finishers for a great podium finish, was Canada’s Tiffany Foster aboard her long-time partner, Victor. Foster had this to say about how she manages the 15 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, “I’ve had Victor since he was 8-years-old and he’s 15 now so we’ve been together for quite a while. I think these classes really suit him – 1.55m is the perfect height for him. He is very comfortable and competitive at this level and he’s a very fast horse so I know if I can get in the jump off, I have a shot.
See the complete results of the Kubota Cup here.
Results of the PWC Cup are here.