For the second time in as many days American Kent Farrington stepped into the winner’s circle in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows. Kent riding the 9 year old Dutch warmblood mare, Valhalla, was second to compete in the first round of the Prairie Mines Cup 1.50m competition and the first of five to come back in the jump-off; where he was not only clear but almost a full second faster than his nearest competitor, John Pearce(CAN) in the five horse jump-off.
While receiving his winner’s cheque, Farrington commented that Valhalla was “a lovely mare to ride, with a very good jump and very good speed.”
Of the nineteen starters for the Spectra Energy Cup 1.60m competition, only three were able to rise to the challenge set out by International course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA).
Lauren Tisbo (USA) a first year professional rider, aboard the 11 year old Selle Francais mare Crème Brule faced off against two Olympic gold medalists McLain Ward (USA) on 9 year old, Dutch warmblood gelding, Vocas and Canada’s Eric Lamaze riding, Hickstead, a 15 year old Dutch Stallion.
In the end it was Rolex FEI World Ranking leading rider, Lamaze and his partner Hickstead who prevailed. “Like fine wine, Hickstead just gets better with age. Imagine how good he will be when he is 16!” he chuckled, with eyes looking forward to the 2012 Olympics in London, England.
Competitions continue tomorrow at the Spruce Meadows “National” tournament highlighted by the ATCO Midstream 1.45 Cup and the RBC Capital Markets 1.50 Winning Round.
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