Kent Farrington (USA) Captures Second Win at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSI 5*
Friday of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ began with a second victory for former world #1 ranked rider Kent Farrington (USA), this time aboard Orafina, the 9-year-old Warmblood mare, in the KUBOTA CSI 3* Grand Prix. Farrington won first place with Austria 2 in yesterday’s TELUS Cup, and this is the second day in a row at the ‘Masters’ that Farrington has won the first competition of the day, putting him in a great position of confidence heading into this weekend’s competitions.
The course for this competition was designed by FEI course designer Leopoldo Palencios (VEN); five athletes made it through to the jump-off: Natalie Dean (USA), Mario Deslauriers (CAN), Jordan Coyle (IRL), Nayel Nassar (EGY), and, of course, Kent Farrington.
With a such a small group jumping-off for first place, a clean round with a fast time was critical. Out of the group, 4 went clear, leaving it up to time to determine the placings. Nassar’s 38.90 seconds was good enough for third place, with Coyle in second place with 37.07 seconds, and Farrington taking the win with 36.59 seconds.
McLain Ward and HH Azur Win the Tourmaline Oil Cup
The second competition of the day in the International Ring at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ was one for the history books: fans were able to join us on the property and watch showjumping at Spruce Meadows for the first time in 2 years. What a competitive and entertaining competition they were treated to.
The course challenged some of the top riders in the world, including the likes of McLain Ward (USA), Martin Fuchs (SUI), Max Khuner (AUT), and Nayel Nassar (EGY). Canadian fan-favourites Eric Lamaze, Mario Deslauriers, Ben Asselin, and Tiffany Foster also took to the ring, where they were greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the small crowd.
With eight horses and riders in the jump-off, spectators were treated to a thrilling competition as the athletes took on the 300m track with a time allowed of 45 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) was the first to go for the jump-off, and none of the remaining riders managed to touch his zero-fault ride of 37.38 seconds. In fact, Ward was the only double-clear, with second place going to Nassar who accrued 3 time faults in the jump-off.
“[HH Azur]’s always been a very fast horse. She’s got a massive stride, she’s a big mare… and she can cover the ground, and quick off the leg, so she’s actually traditionally been a quick horse,” Ward told reporters after his win. He also confirmed that he would be riding HH Azur in Saturday’s BMO Nation’s Cup.
All results here.
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