Source:  SM News Release

Farrington on a Roll

(Calgary, Alberta:) 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.”

Prairie Mines Cup - Top Ten

1- Kent Farrington USA Valhalla
2- John Pearce CAN Son of a Gun
3- Ian Millar CAN Star Power
4- Jill Henselwood CAN George
5- Chris Pratt CAN Cruise
6- Jonathan Asselin CAN Showgirl
7- Jenna Thompson CAN Zeke
8- Eric Lamaze CAN Coriana Van Klapscheut
9- McLain Ward USA Antares F
10- Lindsay Wendt CAN Georgia 181


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.

Spectra Energy Cup Top 10

1- Eric Lamaze CAN Hickstead
2- Mclain Ward USA Vocas
3- Lauren Tisbo USA Creme Brule
4- Kyle King USA Capone 1
5- Richard Spooner USA Apache
6- Ellen Whitaker GBR Equimax Ocolado
7- Daniel Bluman USA Fatalis Fatum
8- Michelle Spadone USA Uwwalon
9- Eric Lamaze CAN Atlete Van T Heike
10- John Anderson CAN Terrific


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.