WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kent Farrington on Orafina, an up-and-coming mount for the Olympic silver medal veteran, won the $75,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round IX CSI5* on March 10.
Kent Farrington on Orafina (Photo by Sportfot)While the third of four five star weekends was going on at WEF, the USEF Board approved a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, the attack on its innocent people and Belarus’ support of such actions.
The USEF Board, effective immediately and until further notice, prohibits all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses, and Officials from participation in USEF national events.
This prohibition applies to any Athlete, Horse, Owner, or Official who is a citizen of Russia or Belarus, or has declared Russia or Belarus as their Sport Nationality.
USEF President Tom O’Mara stated, “It is devastating to see the destruction in the Ukraine. We must stand strong in our support of the country and people who are suffering.”
The FEI had previously announced such a ban internationally.
THERE WERE 52 in the first round of the Challenge Cup representing 16 nations, and Alan Wade's course, which included both a double and a triple combination, had 10 go clean, nine of which went in the jump-off.
Farrington on Orafina was the first to go in the jump-off and was clean in a fast time of 33.41 seconds.
“I’m really proud of this horse,” said Farrington. “She is one that I have been bringing along for the past two seasons. I really like to utilize the Florida circuit as a training grounds for my younger horses, and she has truly stepped up this season.”
“I thought she was great in her first grand prix of this level, and she came back out today at the five-star level and performed better than I expected,” said Farrington. “It is a long season so I try to build her up so she gets used to the environment of being under the lights and jumping at the highest level, and then I drop her back down and do some smaller classes to work on her rideability and control. I think moving up and down between the levels is the best way to produce an upcoming horse here.”
Sergio Alvarez Moya of Spain was the second clear on Malibu De Muze, finishing in 33.68 seconds for second, and Belgium’s Jos Verlooy on Luciano Van Het Geinsteinde was third in 34.28 seconds.
Carly Anthony on Jet Blue Fly led from start to finish, clean in the jump-off in 34.17 seconds to win the $37,000, 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2* over a field of 73.
“First is always a fun predicament to be in, but I’ve been first with him a few times before in some grands prix, and it’s actually worked out well, so I wasn’t too worried about it today,” said Anthony.
“Since I went first it was really hard to say exactly how the course would ride. I thought the first half of the course had a lot of rollbacks and short turns, so it didn’t really naturally get you off on a good rhythm," she said. "I really focused on starting off with a good pace and to get going, because once that happens the rest usually takes care of itself.”
“We’ve done a lot of awesome things together."said Anthony. "He’s been a lot of firsts for me, and we have a great relationship. I love him with all of my heart,” Anthony expressed.
Amanda Derbyshire oGreat Britain finished second in 34.56 seconds on Wonder If, and Tom Wachman of Ireland on Urvoso Du Roch was third in 35.81 seconds.
