Twice is Nice for Kent Farrington and Austria 2 Capturing the $137,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI3* 

A total of 45 combinations challenged the track set by Peter Grant (CAN) and Joey Rycroft (CAN) with 12 qualifying to return for the jump-off. Farrington and the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare by Casall x Corrado took off at a full gallop and didn’t stop, crossing the timers in 39.13 seconds. The pair elected to do 12 strides to the second jump on course, while most of their competitors two or three less [strides], which gave Farrington and Austria 2 the opportunity to angle the Lugano Diamonds oxer for a more direct route to the third jump on course.

“I tend not to count in very long lines,” said the world number seven rider, Farrington. “I like to ride off what I feel the horse needs. She’s a small horse so if you are running and jumping too long or too flat, you risk a rail, so I think it’s better to run up to the jump and get their hocks underneath them. It allows them to get more height and make a short turn about a stride out when I land. It’s different styles for different horses, but that’s what suited my horse.”

The first to post a double-clear effort was Spencer Smith (USA) aboard Ayade Hero Z, finishing less than one second off the mark in 39.95 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) aboard Katanga Van Het Dingeshof, with a double-clear effort in 42.48 seconds.

It was no surprise to the crowd to see Farrington put forth a speedy effort; after all, he’s one of the most familiar faces in the International Arena’s winner’s circle. After Friday’s WEF Challenge Cup win with Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road, LLC, he felt confident but did not take the task of a tough track lightly.

“Often in those classes where you’re riding a horse that you know is capable of winning, the danger is always that you beat yourself,” he said. “A lot of times you put in a great round, and my goal is to go quick enough to hopefully nick his time and not overcook it where I’m two seconds faster than I need to, and I end up having a rail down towards the end. I was really just trying to do the best for my horse.”

Source: Press Release from Equestrian Sport Productions