The final week of sport at the 2024 Traverse City Horse Shows continued on Friday during the iconic American Gold Cup. A field of 33 that included five of the world’s top 25 athletes put forth their best efforts in the $181,170 Cabana Coast CSI5* Qualifier in hopes of setting the tone for Sunday’s action.
Taking to the Cedric Longis (FRA) designed track, nine riders advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off, but it was last week’s five-star winner, Kent Farrington (USA), who took top call. Aboard Toulayna, owned by Rabbit Root Stables, Farrington raced to a win as the last to go, shaving a half a second from the time to beat.
“Toulayna has been a winner her whole life, she’s always been a winner for me,” said Farrington of the mare by Toulon x Parco. “She’s naturally very fast so it’s all about managing her speed. Before heading into the ring, it’s about keeping her calm and having her focus on me and our task in the ring.”
Now looking ahead to Sunday’s coveted American Gold Cup, the 2016 and 2020 winner of the class, which that dates back more than 50 years, will take to the competition atop Greya.
“Sunday is a new day,” said Farrington. “I think it’ll be a hard track; we’ve got good riders here, so it’ll be tough competition.”
Setting Farrington’s time to beat as the penultimate rider over the short course, ultimately finishing second was USA’s Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean (Aldatus Z x Cruising), owned by North Star. The pair crossed the timers in a clear, competitive 37.92 seconds. Following in third was Erynn Ballard (CAN) aboard Ginger ASK (Casall x Levisto), owned by Marigold Sporthorses, finishing clear in 38.31 seconds.
Erynn Ballard and Ginger ASK. (Andrew Ryback Photography)
Also a rider and owner of the KPF Major League Show Jumping team competing this week, Farrington is making the most of the top sport here in Traverse City. “The sport in North America has been getting better over the past few years,” stated Farrington. “You see some new faces here, some Europeans coming over, and a handful of riders that are in the top 20 in the world which raises the level for everyone.”
FEI jumper action will continue on Saturday with the CSI2* Grand Prix, as well as the $300,000 ClipMyHorse.TV CSI5* MLSJ Team Competition. For full results, click here.
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