Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 29, 2023 – The $145,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5* was the sole competition on the Meadows on the Green and the qualifier for Saturday’s $435,000 Pan American Cup CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex.
FEI Course Designer Grégory Bodo (FRA) set the first round track to feature 13 obstacles (16 jumping efforts) that included both a double and triple combination – all to be completed in 81 seconds or less. Seven pairs representing six countries, passed all the tests to post clear rounds and advance to the jump off, including Santiago Lambre (BRA) aboard two of his mounts.
Matthew Sampson (GBR) led the jump off and posted a quick clear round in a time of 37.44s – putting the pressure on the remaining competitors. The leaderboard would see a couple changes and prior to the final horse on course, Darragh Kenny (IRL) was leading the way.
The final rider on course was Kent Farrington (USA) and he had been itching for a win all summer. Riding the beautiful Toulayna (Toulon x Parco), Farrington galloped over the finish line clear in a time of 35.57 seconds to claim the victory.
“Feels as good or better than ever (footing on Meadows on the Green). It has kind of a stadium feel to it, so it’s a little bit different than the other rings – feels a little more contained. Still the same impressive jumps. And I thought, Great sport and great conditions.” – Kent Farrington (USA) on being back jumping on Meadows on the Green.
Final Results – $145,000 Canadian Utilities Cup CSI 5*- 1.55m
1) Kent Farrington (USA) & Toulayna – 0 / 0 – 35.57
2) Darragh Kenny (IRL) & Chic Chic – 0 / 0 – 35.90
3) Santiago Lambre (BRA) & Chacco Blue II – 0 / 0 – 36.50
Source: Press Release (edited) from Spruce Meadows Media
Photos: © Spruce Meadows Media / Mike Sturk
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA, Spruce Meadows
