Kent Farrington Wins the Geneva Rolex GP Qualifier for Fourth Time

Kent Farrington and his incredible little chestnut gelding Creedance  produced a lightning fast round to win Thursday night’s CSI5* 1.55m Trophée de Genève, the qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

“Creedance is a really spectacular horse; you know he has actually won this class before,” smiled Farrington after his victory - referring to the pair’s win back in 2016 and 2018. “He is so fast and so careful, which is a big advantage inside for me. We’re off to a good start here in Geneva,” concluded the happy winner after day one at the world’s most prestigious indoor event.

Thirteen horse-and-rider combinations made it to the jump-off in this 1.55m class. As expected, it was a tough first round that waited for the 48 pairs that had lined up - consisting of 13 fences, including a triple combination and a double. With the time allowed also playing its part tonight, three riders were kept out of the jump-off after recording a single penalty.

Looking dangerously to-the-point already in round one, Farrington once again demonstrated that he is one of the fastest riders in the world. Going all in from start to finish, and with Creedance answering all the questions asked, Farrington shaved off an incredible 1.28 seconds from the leader, Michael Pender’s (IRL), jump-off time. When Steve Guerdat (SUI) had an early rail down with Venard du Cerisy and Kevin Staut (FRA) went for a medium-quick clear, Farrington could yet again celebrate a victory with Creedance in Geneva - the ultimate start ahead of Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

As mentioned, Farrington and Creedance have won the Trophée de Genève in 2016 and the Credit Suisse Challenge in 2018. In 2013 he dominated the Rolex GP qualifier with Willow. Farrington also won the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in 2015 with Voyeur and the Rolex Grand Prix in 2017 with Gazelle. 

Source: World of Show Jumping