Kent Farrington solidified his position as the World No. 1 show jumping athlete by winning the $62,500 Spring Classic CSI3* at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show on May 8, 2024. Competing against 68 top horse and rider combinations, Farrington and his horse Orafina completed the jump-off in an impressive 37.50 seconds, outpacing second-place Francisco Goyoaga Mollet and Stakato Cornet by three seconds. The course, designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral, featured 13 challenging obstacles, with only four pairs advancing to the tiebreaker.
Farrington praised the course design, noting that the time allowed effectively separated competitors without compromising safety. While several riders managed clear rounds, the tight time constraints added pressure, leading to a thrilling jump-off. Farrington’s strategy involved letting Orafina run her natural speed during the jump-off, which proved successful as they navigated the course with precision.
After a year-long break due to injury, Orafina has returned to form, winning multiple classes in Florida before this event. Farrington expressed his excitement about reclaiming the top spot in the Longines Rankings and highlighted the Kentucky Horse Park as an excellent venue for training young horses. Looking ahead, he is set to compete in additional events during the Kentucky Spring Classic, including the $125,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix.
