MILL SPRING, N.C.--Kent Farrington on Orafina won the $139,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* with a time of 39.06 seconds at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Oct. 22.
Kent Farrington on Orafina (Photo by Lisa Thomas Dufresne)Luiz Francisco De Azevedo of Brazil on Nashville was second in a time of 39.39 seconds, and Maria Gabriela Brugal Gasso of the Dominican Republic on J’Adore Flamencowas third in a time of 41.69 seconds.
Thirty-three entries contested Michel Vaillancourt’s course, with seven advancing to the jump-off.
Farrington on Orafina was able to produce a round that couldn’t be beaten, despite some communication issues in the first round.
“I tried a new bridle today,"said Farrington. "It felt great in the practice class, and then as soon as I went over number one, I knew that I was in trouble and it was going to be a long way around the ring. We managed to get through the first round, and then I changed the equipment a little bit for the jump off, and it was so much better.”
“SHE'S AN incredible horse,” Farrington said. “She's lightning fast and she's unbelievably careful. The hardest part is just the control, so that's my limitation right now. If I can get the control, I think she will be a top horse in the world. Right now I'm still managing the controls, so I have been moving up and down in my classes. We'll see how far I get, but on days when she's good, it feels great."
Orafina and Farrington have been quite a winning combination, currently ranking sixth in the FEI World Rankings as a pair.
“I got her from Leon Thijssen," said Farrington. "I've done business with him for over 20 years. He said, 'I think this horse could be great, but she is very difficult, and she needs a particular ride and will be hard to train. But if you can make her go well, I think she can be exceptional.'"
Farrington has competed at TIEC consistently for the past few years saying, “The facility here is great, especially with the upgraded footing a couple years ago. In terms of a showjumping venue, I think it's great.”
