American Farrington wins jump off at Spruce Meadows; Canada’s Lamaze second

CALGARY – American Kent Farrington earned his way back to the world No. 1 ranking on Thursday with an impressive showing at Spruce Meadows.

Since Farrington broke his leg earlier this year, he has been working to climb back up the equestrian standings.

Farrington advanced to a jump off with Mexico’s Enrique Gonzalez and Canada’s Eric Lamaze.

Gonzalez went first and put the pressure on posting a clean jump off round. Lamaze followed with an incredibly quick time of 37.92 but with one rail it was not good enough for top spot.

Farrington posted a quick and clear time of 40.75 to take the lead.

American rider Rich Fellers was one of two clear round in a field of 22 horse/rider combinations.

Canadian veteran rider Jill Henselwood posted the only other clear round — though almost eight seconds slower than Fellers — finishing in second place.

Third place was claimed by up-and-coming Canadian Nicole Walker, who had one time fault.