Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

The CSI5* 1.55m Canadian Utilities Cup was Thursday's sole competition on the Meadows on the Green and the qualifier for Saturday’s Pan American Cup, presented by Rolex.

FEI course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA) set the first-round track to feature 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts, that included both a double and triple combination – all to be completed in 81 seconds or less. Seven pairs representing six countries, passed all the tests to post clear rounds and advance to the jump-off, including Santiago Lambre (BRA) aboard two of his mounts.

Matthew Sampson (GBR) led the jump-off with Equine America Ivanhoe GPH (Marome NW x Indorado) and posted a quick clear round in a time of 37.44 seconds – putting the pressure on the remaining competitors. The leader board would see a couple changes and prior to the final horse on course, Darragh Kenny (IRL) was leading the way with Chic Chic (Comme Il Faut x Contendro I) ) ahead of Santiago Lambre on Chacco-Blue II (Chacco-Blue x Cincaba Rouge) in second and Sampson in third. The final rider on course was Kent Farrington (USA), who has been itching for a win all summer. Riding the beautiful Toulayna (Toulon x Parco), Farrington galloped over the finish line clear in a time of 35.57 seconds to take the victory.

“It feels as good, or better than ever," Farrington said about the footing on Meadows on the Green. "It has kind of a stadium feel to it, so it's a little bit different than the other rings – it feels a little more contained but still with the same impressive jumps. And I thought, great sport and great conditions today!”