Canada’s Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 were third
The ATB Financial Cup (1.55m) marked the last chance for riders to qualify for Saturday’s RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex. Thirty-nine horse/rider combinations started the competition including last year’s winning pair Kent Farrington (USA) and Gazelle. Farrington put in a great round earlier today aboard Jasper earning him his first win of the 2018 Summer Series and he was looking to make it two for two.
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,” said Coyle.
Farrington said, “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.”
Results here.
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