Farrington and Orafina Fly to the Top in $65,000 CSI3* Welcome at HITS Hudson Valley
HITS Hudson Valley VIII
23 October 2025 at 3:04 amBy b.wehner
Championship Week at HITS Hudson Valley VIII in Saugerties, New York, kicked off in style on Thursday with the $65,000 CSI3* Welcome. With FEI CSI3* show jumping and WCHR hunter competition on the schedule, the spotlight quickly turned to Kent Farrington, who delivered a standout performance aboard Orafina.
Technical Course Challenges Riders
Alan Wade (IRL) designed a demanding 1.50m track at the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium, drawing 38 starters. Nineteen advanced to the jump-off, including top contenders like Nayel Nassar (EGY) on Igor van de Wittemoere and Daniel Bluman (ISR) riding Landon de Nyze and Kapitaal L.
Orafina Blazes to Victory
After a fast-paced jump-off, Farrington, riding his 13-year-old mare Orafina, completed the course in 37.86 seconds—nearly a full second faster than the field. Michael Duffy (IRL) and Chili Pepper H M Z clocked 40.01 seconds, while Samuel Hutton (GBR) on Etincelle d’Ellipse managed 39.40. Brian Moggre (USA) and MTM Vivre le Reve rounded out the podium with a 39.07-second double clear.
The win adds another international victory to Farrington’s impressive record and highlights Orafina’s consistency as a top-tier speed horse.
Photo courtesy of Stefan Lafrentz
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