The rich grand prix had not been won by an American in seven years, but Farrington and his great grey mare stormed to victory in a five-horse jump-off.
Winter Equestrian Festival WEF
The US rider clinched the victory in the $200,000 WeatherTech CSI4* Grand Prix in a nine-horse jumpoff during WEF Week 11.
The Irish rider made his first grand prix win at WEF a really big one, crediting his “incredible athlete” with the victory.
“We’ve been knocking at the door” said the Brit of his 2026 season so far with Enjeu de Grisien, a horse who has really begun to show his versatility.
“She proved me wrong in the best way,” said the Canadian rider of the mare they thought was best suited for the 1.30m ranks.
Two Canadians place in the top 10: Erynn Ballard and Dior are 6th, and Chris Pratt and Lollypop finish 10th.
The feature finale to wrap 12 weeks of competition at Wellington International was again won by Germany's Christian Kukuk and Checker 47.
The Belgian rider won his second Cup round; Canadian Mario Deslauriers placed 7th riding S&L Quatro van de Meerputhoeve.
The pair won the Vogel CSI2* Grand Prix to put a button on 13 weeks of international competition in Wellington.
The Irish rider piloted Casturano to take the $117,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 in a highly competitive field of 57 starters.
