Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament: Farrington Sets the Pace in the Akita Drilling Cup

Barnmice News Blast: Katy M, Community News

Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament:
Farrington Sets the Pace in the Akita Drilling Cup

The first class in the International Ring is on the books and Kent Farrington and Blue Angel set the pace which no-one else could catch. Newly designated FEI/Longines World Number One Ben Maher riding Urico came closest to their time to take second place.

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel set the pace. Photo: Moranequinephoto.com

A surprising seventeen competitors out of 52 starters were able to post clear rounds over Leopoldo Palacio's course which didn't stint on the challenges riders had to overcome. A long gallop in the middle of the course to a big stretch triple bar just a couple of strides from a delicate skinny vertical caught many seasoned competitors with dropped rails.

Farrington and Blue Angel started 6th in the first round order and made the course look easy. They also had the advantage of going early in the jump-off to post a time the other riders had to catch. Maher was close, but not quite fast enough.