World No. 1 Kent Farrington Opens 2026 With a Win in the $75,000 Adequan National Grand Prix
Packed grandstands set the scene for the first Grand Prix of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). The $75,000 Adequan National Grand Prix welcomed 28 elite horse-and-rider combinations, but the spotlight belonged to World No. 1 Kent Farrington (USA), who closed out the night with a winning round aboard his new mount, Descartes (Carmelo x Wida Jana).
FEI Level III course designer Oscar Soberon (USA) presented a careful and technical track for Saturday night’s opening Grand Prix. The course proved demanding, with just six combinations producing clear first rounds to advance to the jump-off.
Canada’s Sean Jobin was first to return for the short course, guiding the 10-year-old Selle Français mare Grande Dame DK to a quick, clear round in 45.096 seconds to set the early pace.
Ireland’s Darragh Kerins followed with Lissino, but their effort came up just short in 45.723 seconds. December’s $75,000 Grand Prix winner, Lauren Balcomb (AUS), entered the ring with Verdini D’Houtveld Z and looked poised to take the lead, stopping the clock in a blazing 41.205 seconds before a heartbreaking rail at the final fence ended her bid.
Tracy Fenney (USA) and the coming 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare MTM Apple (Favorit Ask x Kong’s Whopsie) were next to challenge the time. Fenney delivered an even quicker round to move into the lead with a clear 43.970 seconds.
Kady Abrahamson (USA) gave the track a strong effort aboard Coquelicot Vh Heuvelland Z, but their time of 47.990 seconds came up short.
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