With a great start to day one of the ‘North American’ Tournament presented by Rolex, guests enjoying the fantastic conditions were once again treated to another great win by World #1 Kent Farrington(USA).
Entering the competition on his incredibly talented Uceko, a 16 year-old gelding by Celano, the duo took control in the PWC Cup 1.55m to win the title and hoist the champions hardware. A starting roster of 41 top international athletes, representing 13 nations, would challenge the course designed by Santiago Varela of Spain. The challenging first round was mastered by seven notable athletes who went on to an exciting jump off against the clock.
Following the win Farrington commented on his long time partner, “He’s really been a great horse for my career. I got him at the end of his 6 year-old year and he’s been a mainstay at my stable. Uceko really brought my career to an international level and I owe him a lot for that and I’m very proud that he is still able to go out and win like he did today.” Farrington continued, “Uceko is a special horse, he really has his own way to win – which is different from most of the other horses. He’s able to leave out strides that I don’t think many other horses can do while still leaving the fences up so that gives me a big advantage.”
Continuing a hot streak from last week’s ‘Pan American’ Tournament, young Fernando Martinez of Mexico once again arrived at the finish line with a blazing time that earned him yet another podium finish next to the top ranked Farrington. When describing his fantastic partner Cor Bakker, a 10 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Martinez said, “He is a very clever horse. He is incredibly quick across the ground but he’s also very careful.” He continued, “I am really just learning at this level – this is my first CSI 5*, so I’m just thrilled with the fact that this horse has taken me here.”
Following close behind the top two finishers for a great podium finish, was Canada’s Tiffany Foster aboard her long-time partner, Victor. Foster had this to say about how she manages the 15 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, “I’ve had Victor since he was 8 years-old and he’s 15 now so we’ve been together for quite a while. I think these classes really suit him – 1.55m is the perfect height for him. He is very comfortable and competitive at this level and he’s a very fast horse so I know if I can get in the jump off, I have a shot.
Full results here.
More from Horse Sport:
