Kent Farrington and Creedance. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.
New York, NY – As the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty and “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out, Kent Farrington and Creedance flew the flag for the United States of America in the closing 5* thriller in New York.
The American champion’s win was a fitting climax to the sensational inaugural LGCT and GCL Finals on Governors Island, and Kent said of the event: “[It’s an] amazing setting, one of the best shows they’ve had this year and great finale to the Tour. [It’s been a] great week, amazing competition, top riders, top horses – you can’t ask for more.”
Determined to be back for next year’s LGCT of New York, he added: “I brought two amazing horses here – I thought they were good contenders. I was very happy Creedance was able to win two. I would have liked to get the Grand Prix also, but I’ll be back next year for that.”
After three days of top sport, entertainment, and perfect weather, the crowds and guests left the showground to the iconic music of Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’. The New York stage of the team and individual championships saw Ben Maher crowned LGCT Champion repeating last year’s success and London Knights, including Maher, winning the GCL Final. Michael Bloomberg, Donna Karan, Christy Turlington, and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Andre Agassi were among the guests for the first-ever leg of the series in New York.
Kent Farrington (USA) took the win ahead of Pieter Devos (BEL) with Espoir and Harrie Smolders (NED) aboard Cas 2. Georgina Bloomberg (USA) set local hearts racing after she finished fourth with her 10-year-old gelding Chameur 137.
Julien Epaillard Races to 10th LGCT Speed Victory
Julien Epaillard lived up to his moniker as the Flying Frenchman yet again by topping the CSI5* 1.45m Speed for the 10th time this season during the final day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York.
Piloting the nine-year-old gelding Alibi de la Roque, Epaillard stopped the clock clear in an uncatchable 58.13 seconds over Bronislav Chudyba (SVK) and the aptly named New York, who broke the timers fault-free but several ticks off the pace in 61.42 seconds. Rounding out the top-three podium, Constant van Paesschen (BEL) was hungry for his second win of the weekend from the final spot in the order-of-go riding Vendetta Treize, but settled for third in 62.17 seconds with zero faults.
The one-round event against the clock featured a sizable but unassuming track by Uliano Vezzani’s (ITA). But when riders began to shave seconds off the clock with fewer strides and tight turns, the challenges presented themselves.
More info: www.gcglobalchampions.com.
Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com