In what Kent Farrington describes as a “building year” for him, he’s finding undeniable talent in up-and-coming horses. In the tack of Orafina, a 10-year-old KWPN mare (For Fashion x Canturo), the number 10 in the world won the $215,000 RBC CSI5* Grand Prix on the final day of MLSJ Ottawa at Wesley Clover Parks.
Farrington describes Orafina as “careful like Gazelle and physically strong like Voyeur,” both comparisons that any developing horse would be lucky to share.
Jacqueline Steffens and Freaky placed 3rd. (Ashley Neuhof / MLSJ photo)
Orafina also has the speed to win when it matters, topping a four-horse jump-off against several notoriously fast contenders. Together, they slid Ireland’s Conor Swail to the runner-up placing aboard Vital Chance de la Roque for owner Mannon Farm. Rounding out the podium, Jacqueline Steffens (CAN) took third riding Freaky, owned by Team Eye Candy.
“[This was a] great week for me. It was my first time coming to this venue and I was really impressed,” said Farrington. “The footing was great, they have an interesting set of jumps that are different than what we see every week, which is great for my horses. Orafina is a spectacular horse and incredibly competitive. I have big expectations. In the end, the horses are going to decide what they do in the sport, and right now, she’s loving it. I hope that continues.”
Farrington’s CSI5* victory comes just a day after leading Team Lugano to a much-anticipated gold-medal placing in the MLSJ Team Competition.
Major League Show Jumping heads back to the USA with the fifth stage of competition returning to Traverse City Horse Shows September 15 through 18. To view a complete MLSJ schedule, click HERE.
$215,000 1.55m Grand Prix RBC
1. Kent Farrington (USA) Orafina 0 | 0 | 35.75
2. Conor Swail (IRL) Vital Chance De La Roque 0 | 0 | 36.42
3. Jacqueline Steffens (CAN) Freaky 0 | 4 | 37.65
4. Callie Schott (USA) Garant 0 | 4 | 38.81
5. Natalie Dean (USA) Acota M 4 | 76.40
6. Erynn Ballard (CAN) Nanini Van D’abeldreef 4 | 77.38
7. Hyde Moffatt (CAN) Quintin 4 | 78.04
8. Susan Horn (CAN) Dominka Van De Lucashoeve 4 | 78.81
9. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) Namaste Van Het Eyckeveld 4 | 79.47
10. Amy Millar (CAN) Truman 4 | 80.18
Complete results here.
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