The Holiday & Horses CSI4* week at Wellington International concluded in spectacular style as Kent Farrington (USA) and his 10-year-old mare, Greya, soared to victory in the $200,000 ArthramidVet CSI4* Grand Prix on Sunday.
Farrington was full of praise for his 10-year-old Oldenburg mare, whom he has developed since she was five. “I got her when she was five, and she's really just a phenomenal show jumper, as you can see,” he said. “She's unbelievably careful. She's super fast, a very modern type. I love this horse. She's been great, and she’s really come into her own.”
Farrington also took a moment to recognize the behind-the-scenes efforts of his longtime groom, Denise Moriarty, whose meticulous care and expertise have been a cornerstone of his success.
“Denise Moriarty has been with me for, I don't even know how many years, 12 years, maybe more,” Farrington shared. “We’ve done three Olympic Games together, World Championships, Pan American Games—you name it. We’ve been lucky enough to have gotten some good titles, too.”
“She’s a great asset to my team. She is phenomenal. She’s the best in class. I would say she’s the best in the world at what she does and an integral part of my team.”
The grand prix competition showcased 42 entries from 12 countries, with eight horse-and-rider combinations advancing to the jump-off on a challenging course designed by the legendary Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). Farrington and Greya stopped the clock at an impressive 37.01 seconds, narrowly edging out Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard Hummer Z, who finished just behind in 37.17 seconds.
Lacey Gilbertson (USA) completed the podium with a double-clear round on Loulou MPSZ, finishing the jump-off in 38.67 seconds. The field was notably dominated by exceptional 9- and 10-year-old horses, highlighting the promising future of show jumping.
Top Five Results: $200,000 ArthramidVet CSI4* Grand Prix
1. Kent Farrington (USA) & Greya: 2014 Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contessa 128)
Owner: Kent Farrington, LLC
Faults_Time: 0_0_37.01
2. Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Hummer Z: 2014 KWPN gelding (Harley x Tulana)
Owner: Abigail Wexner
Faults_Time: 0_0_37.17
3. Lacey Gilbertson (USA) & Loulou MPSZ: 2015 Zangersheide mare (Lord Pezi Junior x Mps Sweet Funky)
Owner: Seabrook, LLC
Faults_Time: 0_0_38.67
4. Charlotte Jacobs (USA) & Playboy JT Z: 2015 Zangersheide gelding (Presley Boy x Prada JT Z)
Owner: North Star Sport Horses
Faults_Time: 0_0_39.63
5. Ilan Bluman (COL) & Acajou: 2015 Bavarian Warmblood mare (Casallco x Azobe)
Owner: Ilan Bluman
Faults_Time: 0_4_37.89
Will Simpson Claims Victory in the $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix
The competition Sunday also featured the $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix, where Will Simpson (USA) delivered a flawless double-clear performance aboard Keminko N to claim first place with a jump-off time of 39.205 seconds.
Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) and Niagara D’Ive Z secured second with four faults and a jump-off time of 35.106 seconds. Mark Bluman (COL) and Ireland rounded out the top three with four faults and a jump-off time of 38.263 seconds.
Looking Ahead: ESP Year End Awards Horse Show
The action continues at Wellington International with the ESP Year End Awards Horse Show, running from December 5–8, 2024. Riders will also have the opportunity to school under the lights on Friday evening starting at 6 PM, with heights ranging from 1.30m to 1.40m.
For complete results from the Holiday & Horses CSI4* show, click here and to rewatch today’s competition, click here.
