April 9, 2026 
USA’s Kent Farrington has made no secret over the years that he only jumps championships when he feels like he’s got a winning chance. So you know he came to Fort Worth with the will—and the horse power—to do it.
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final kicked off Thursday with a Table C speed class and the favorites did what favorites do.
Farrington, world no. 2, took the lead on the first of four rounds of competition, crossing the beam with Toulayna in 62.03 seconds. Germany’s Daniel Deusser is aiming for a second title and slotted into second place aboard Otello de Guldenboom with a foot perfect finish in 62.21. Three-time World Cup champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) sits in third place with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte on a time of 62.49.
“I thought she was great,” said Farrington of the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare.
“She’s really versatile. She showed that today. She can jump any venue. To step into this arena and go fast on the first day…she’s so reliable. She’s a really special horse to have on my team and a great start to the Final.”
Farrington is bringing out the big gun, Greya, for Friday’s Final II. With 10 five-star Grand Prix titles on her record and a phenomenal 68% podium finish rate at the 1.60m height (Jumpr stats), the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare is as consistent as they come.
“Hopefully we can stay on this kind of form,” said a cautiously optimistic Farrington.
“We have a good start, but we have a long way to go. I’m looking at these guys that are behind me, and they’re some of the best in the world. So it’ll be a battle ‘til the end. But I look forward to the challenge!”
Only two riders put in faster first rounds, both from Team USA. Lillie Keenan, now in fourth place, stopped the clock at a blistering 60.78 but with a rail on the ground. Teammate Skyler Wireman did it in 61.83, with four down.
Americans Jacob Pope and Highway FBH and Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 sit in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Final II begins at 7pm CDT with Table A Jumping. The top 20 advance to Sunday’s two-round Final III where the medals will be decided. Catch it all live on FEI TV!
