Kent Farrington wins 2nd straight ATCO QE II Cup at Spruce Meadows
World No. 1 edges Canadian Eric Lamaze and Germany's Weishaupt in jump-off
American Kent Farrington successfully defended his title in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows on Saturday.
The top-ranked show jumper in the world and his mare Gazelle were flawless through two rounds and in the three-rider jump-off to secure the victory.
Farrington is a three-time winner, having also claimed the title in 2014.
Germany's Philipp Weishaupt and his stallion LB Convall were the runner-ups after pulling a single rail in the jump-off. His time of 46.32 seconds was enough to edge Canada's Eric Lamaze.
Lamaze and his mare Fine Lady 5 had an early rail as well but were a step slower, finishing in 46.66.
"I think you saw the quality of the field today with Lamaze, Weishaupt and myself on the horse that won last year in the final throws," Farrington said. "To have the win here on the final week of the Summer Series, on a two-round Grand Prix with top prize money, I am just thrilled with the horse today."
While Lamaze fell short in the jump-off, he still made Spruce Meadows history with this placing in the Grand Prix as the first-ever athlete to reach the $5 million milestone on the top 20 all-time prize money winnings tally.
"Spruce Meadows has been very good to me and my career and I think this is a big honour and I'm incredibly happy to have that title."