Kent Farrington Flies to American Gold Cup Victory
World no. 1 Kent Farrington is setting a new standard with his magnificent mare Greya. Together, they won a record sixth five-star grand prix inside a year to lift the iconic American Gold Cup and claim their share of $340,000 in prize money during the final day of the 2025 Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS).
The American Gold Cup was first awarded in 1970 and has been won by some of show jumping’s most legendary names throughout its 55-year history. The event has called Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City home since 2020, the sixth location to host it.
Farrington and the 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender) established the standard over Alan Wade’s (IRL) opening round as the first of an eventual six clear. On theme for the record-breaking day, Wade designed his 11th American Gold Cup track this week.
Greya set the pace yet again in the jump-off at 34.75 seconds, which would stand as the winning result. Farrington has now won the American Gold Cup three times, previously in 2016 and 2020.
“My biggest concern today was going to be measuring the speed it was going to take to win,” said Farrington. “You don’t want to be chasing what somebody else can do—you have to know what your horse’s best possible round is. I tried to put down a solid effort where they were going to have to do something special to beat me, and luckily it worked out.”
The win helped Farrington to match his record of six grand prix wins in a calendar year, a title he also carries aboard the now retired Gazelle.
“We produce these horses, which is a long but rewarding process. I’m really proud of my team and the horses we have today and I’m enjoying the journey,” said Farrington, whose groom Denise Moriarty was awarded the Equifit Winning Groom Award. “This is an incredible horse and an amazing athlete; she can do everything she needs to be able to in the sport. I’m looking forward to the future and trying to enjoy the moment at the same time.”
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Kent Farrington Flies to American Gold Cup Victory – Traverse City Horse Shows
