GENEVA, Switzerland--In one of the top Grand Prix in the world, Kent Farrington avenged his loss to Scott Brash in the World Top 10 competition to win in Geneva on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo from Geneva)Farrington on Greya won the 1,200,000 Euro Rolex Grand Prix. a part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, in a thrilling eight horse jump-off.
In a tremendous day of sport, Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on James Kann Cruz was second to go in the jump-off over the course set by Grégory Bodo and Gérard Lachat, and he set the time to beat of 41.39,
Farrington was the fifth to go in the jump-off, and with a beautifully ridden, smooth and very fast found finished in 40.04, over a second faster, but then had to wait through the three remaining riders before claiming the win.
Thibeau Spits of Belgiom on Impress-k van't Kattenheye Z then finished in 42.21 to eventually place third, followed by Sophie Hinners of Germany on Iron Dames Singclar,, who finished in 42.35 to finish fourth, and then Christian Ahlmann of Germany on Dourkhan Hero Z had eight faults to give Farrington the won.
JASON SMITH of Switzerland on Picobello van't Roosakke was fifth, clean in 43.09, Marc Dilasser of France on Arioto du Gèvres was sixth, with four faults and Piergiorgio Bucci of Italy on Hantano was eighth with 12 faults.
"I'm feeling better today," said World number one ranked Farrington, who felt he hadn't ridden his best when, riding Toulayna, he was beaten by Scott Brash in the Top 10 Final on Friday. "I was so upset to lose."
"Today I was out for revenge," he said. "I have two great horses. I loved the crowd. Everyone was so supportive."
"I was worried about today, so I was happy to win," he said. "I' super proud of my horse. Thanks to everyone at home, this was a team effort.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well in Geneva because I love this tournament, and I want to match my horses' level of performance when they're in such good form," he said. "I am very proud of my mare, who has been incredible throughout the season. She has won seven five-star Grand Prix events this year, but Geneva is undoubtedly the most prestigious of them all. My primary goal next year will undoubtedly be to ensure that my horses are ready for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.”
This was Farrington's third win in this Grand Prix, having also won it on Gazelle in 2017.
"I thought to put in a good round to put Kent under pressure," said Sweetnam. "It wasn't my complete round, but after watching Kent go, I think even if I did my complete round it still would not have been faster than him."
“It's incredible!," said Smith. "The atmosphere is fabulous and the crowd is incredible. The course was tough, and I'm really proud of Picobello. I've been riding him for two years. We took the time to build him up. Our first CSI 5* was here last year, and we gradually progressed by doing a few Nations Cups in 2025. It was too early for either of us to consider a championship. However, I think that with all the experience we've gained, next year will be the right time to aim for the World Games, even if there's still a long way to go.”
An enthusiastic, standing room only crowd of 49,200 spectators cheered every round.
