Karl Cook Makes $450,000 CSI5* Grand Prix His Own
The crowd knew they were in for a fast jump-off when Kent Farrington (USA) and Karl Cook (USA) were the only two jumping. Fast is exactly what they got.
The only two to navigate Alan Wade’s (IRL) track clear in the $450,000 Marshall & Sterling CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix, the two Americans went head to head in front of the crowd to battle it out and contend for top honors. Farrington put in all he had with Orafina, who stayed incredibly careful all evening – and all week – to jump double-clear in a jump-off time of 35.27 seconds.
Karl Cook (USA) and Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet. Photo by ESI Photography
All eyes then fell on Cook, who, with Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet, knew exactly what he had to do. He executed his plan and put his faith in Signe Otsby’s mare, crossing the timers in 34.84 seconds and making the win his own.
“We’ve had a long journey together,” Cook reflected on his partnership with Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet, who is 12 years old this year. “To think we started this year off here in January doing our first three-star grand prix together and ending the year this way, and to have the consistency we’ve had, for me it speaks volumes to her. She’s special.”
Read more:
