Kent Farrington and Greya presented as winners of the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid. Photo © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein.
Press release from Wellington International, edited by World of Showjumping
The feature event of the Holiday & Horses CSI4* week brought depth, difficulty, and high sport to Wellington International as 39 entries stepped forward for the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* 1.55m Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set the tone with 14 obstacles and 17 efforts, including a liverpool and a wall that proved influential early in the class and demanded clarity in each rider’s plan.
Clear rounds came sparingly at first. By the midway drag, only Hallie Grimes (USA) aboard Karoline of Ballmore (Diarado x Convento van de Helle) had produced a fault-free effort, holding the lone jump-off position for much of the first round. As the class progressed, the momentum shifted and riders found their rhythm, resulting in a total of eight combinations advancing to the shortened track.
The jump-off delivered exactly what the crowd came for. Hallie Grimes and Karoline of Ballmore were first to return, setting the tone early with a smooth and efficient clear in 45.78 seconds, which held strong for second place. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Coriaan van Klapscheut Z (Comme Il Faut x Lord Z) followed next, delivering another quick round that ultimately secured third, continuing the pair’s strong form following their CSI3* Grand Prix win just two weeks prior.
Kent Farrington and Greya in the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid. Photo © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein.
When Kent Farrington (USA), world number one, entered with Greya (Colestus x Contender), the pace elevated instantly. Farrington chose the tightest turns on course, opened Greya’s stride whenever space allowed, and executed a masterclass in balance and precision to stop the clock in an incredible 39.34 seconds. His round set a new standard, and although three riders returned after him, none were able to match the speed, efficiency, or accuracy that secured Farrington the victory.
With the win secured, Farrington reflected on what Wellington means to him: “I grew up in Chicago but have been coming to Wellington for a long time, so it’s my home now. I think the upgrades are great. There’s a great team led by Murray Kessler and with Rolex supporting it and elevating the facility’s status. As they continue to make improvements, it’s better for all of us who call Wellington home.”
He went on to describe Greya’s management program – a system built around patience and confidence: “I jumped her [Greya] very small to build her confidence. She’s an extremely careful horse, and I manage her accordingly. All horses have different issues and weaknesses, and I try to build those into strengths or help them with their weakness and I’m always trying to do.”
As for what’s next, Farrington has Geneva on the radar: “The plan is to bring Greya, Toulayna, and Garrison, but with horses, sometimes they have different ideas. That is our current plan, and hopefully it will remain so.”
Then