A full-house of enthusiastic visitors witnessed USA’s Kent Farrington claim the biggest spoils of the week in the CSI4* Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy at Windsor on Sunday. Despite a valiant challenge by Britain’s John Whitaker on Argento (Arko III x Gasper), who thrilled the home crowds, the American visitor took the win with the super speedy 9-year-old gelding Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris). 

After an exciting first round, 14 riders came through to the jump-off. Canada’s Tiffany Foster, riding Brit Ben Maher’s former London Olympic gold medal winning ride Tripple X III (Namelus R x Cantango), was second to go and held the lead for almost half the jump-off with her clean performance. She was toppled from pole position when Kent smashed her target by three seconds, causing those watching to whoop in delight at the display of calculated horsemanship.   

John then tried to steal the win for the home crowd, but finished one second adrift despite a strong start out on the shortened course.   

“Up to the planks [halfway around the track] I knew I was quicker,” said John, who praised Royal Windsor Horse Show’s move to four-star jumping. “Then he spooked at something. I don’t know what it was, so I ended up doing two or three strides more than Kent.”   

The final double clear of the class came from Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci on Casallo Z (Casall x Carthago Z), but a steadier round than the two prior faultless performers meant third place and handed victory to Kent.   

“Creedance is a naturally fast horse and was flying out there, but I held my breath a bit when John went,” said Kent. “I grew up watching him and he is still just as good now as he was then. I’ve taken two big wins this week so I think I should get out of town quick!”   

 

Source: Press release from Revolution Sports + Entertainment // Picture © Revolution Sports + Entertainment