So much tension once again in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final ! We had to wait for the last contender to find out who the winner will be...
After Henrik von Eckermann's misadventure (6pts) as the class opener, Kent Farringtion set the tone right away : a quick clear round together with his great Austria 2. As often, clear rounds call for clear rounds and Christian Ahlmann followed with a clean course, but one time fault unfortunately, whereas Darragh Kenny held the pressure of his first Top 10 participation by delivering a beautiful clear. After some unlucky faults from Pieter Devos (13pts), Peder Fredricson (21pts), Ben Maher (8pts), Daniel Deusser (4pts) and Martin Fuchs (4pts), Steve Guerdat held his double status of world number 1 and title holder, giving the Swiss crowd shivers and delivering the third and last clear of the first round.
The victory would go to either Kent, Darragh or Steve. First clear to go, the Swiss rider knew he had to give it all to put some pressure on his opponents, but the first fence of the combination ended his hopes of victory. "The risks played in my favor last year but this, unfortunately, I was less lucky. After the first round, I think we saw that even the ten best in the world could make some mistakes, including me. Alamo jumped fantastic and I hope I can come back next year" said the world number 1. Irish rider Darragh Kenny, setting a fast pace, ended the second round more carefully to guarantee himslef a clear round. Already winner of the Trophée de Genève yesterday with Creedance, Kent Farrington is well-known for being fast. Riding his tiny but mighty Austria 2, he gave it all to win a second time, after 2015 (Voyeur), this Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. "The owners of the mare have moved next to my yard and I asked them last year if I could ride her (Austria) as a Christmas gift. I've been riding her since April and she is just amazing and gave everything she had tonight for her first class at this level."
Ireland again in the Indoor Cross
Definitely, Ireland loves the Indoor Cross presented by Tribune de Genève. After Padraigh McCarthy's victory last year, it was Cathal Daniels' turn to win this spectacular class. Karim Florent Laghouag, faithful to this show, was a little bit too fast compared to the ideal time and therefore took second place. Best Swiss rider Tiziana Realini and Robin Godel were placed fourth and fifth.
