WILLIAMSBURG — Team KPF proved that speed is the name of the game when it comes to Major League Show Jumping, claiming their first victory of the 2026 season during week two of the Tournament of Champions.
Sneaking into round two with four faults, while the three other teams jumped all clear rounds, Team KPF fought their way to the top using their footspeed and delivering more crucial clear rounds.
Team riders Cassio Rivetti (BRA), Kent Farrington (USA) and Karl Cook (USA) all put in stellar performances from the beginning of the $200,000 ClipMyHorse.TV Major League Show Jumping Team Competition, but one unlucky rail came down for Rivetti and Knass B. It was still enough to be in the top half of teams, qualifying for the second round, which meant there was still a medal on the table.
“It was a risk, [choosing Knass B to ride],” Rivetti said following his win. The horse is not one that Rivetti has ridden in international competition, but he knew the 11-year-old was up for the task. “I normally ride him at home a lot. We know him very well but he’s a special horse. There was pressure to go clear and fast and the horse is naturally fast and has a huge stride.”
Farrington and Cook had to lay it all on the line for Rivetti to even have the opportunity to jump for gold. Bringing forth Candy, Cook raced to the fastest clear of the day in 32.16 seconds, admitting he’s worked hard to be able to pull off a jump-off that quick.
“It was a late call-up for this and I’m happy Kent called,” Cook said. “I have some great horses here I’m very proud of. My horse felt great in the first round and the way the jump-off ended up it was a great experience for us. It was fast and I’m so glad I could do it with the team and we could come out on top.”
Farrington’s choice of horse is also still progressing, as he’s only three shows in with 9-year-old Rexton. He felt less pressure coming in on an inexperienced mount knowing his teammates were equipped to step up.
“These guys are super riders so that makes the job easy,” Farrington shared. “It’s still a green horse for this level; I’m still getting to know him and how much I can push him at speed. He’s very careful and has a great attitude so it will be fun to continue with him.”
Farrington clocked a quick time as well, making Team KPF the fastest overall duo in round two, which in turn meant Rivetti would be jumping for gold.
“I have a lot of confidence in Cassio,” Farrington said of their choice to save Rivetti for the gold medal matchup. “He’s a great rider with a ton of experience and he has a great horse too. That was an easy decision for us.”
Rivetti delivered, piloting Knass B to a time of 33.05 seconds, which was over two seconds faster than his competitor, Charlotte Jacobs (USA), who rode Christiano Obolensky to a time of 35.21 seconds. Her effort scored the Trelawny Trailblazers the silver medal, while Maccabi United finished in the bronze position.
Earlier Friday, Ballard took a win in the $31,020 Storm Ridge Capital CSI2* Speed aboard New Star VD Berghoeve. She was two seconds faster than any other competitor, beating out second-place finisher Charlise Casas (USA) with Keminko N, while third place went to Ilan Bluman (COL) with HT Concetta.
Caitlin Connors was the winner of the Brook Ledge 1.20m Jumper Friday afternoon aboard Queeny la Quadra, besting eight jump-off efforts. Ilan Ferder took second place with Restart and Maya Ines Denis Chambon was third aboard Dalien Santa Rosa.