Kent Farrington Triumphs at CHI Geneva to Claim Third Rolex Grand Slam Major Victory

By Jumper News USA on December 15, 2025

**Kent Farrington** (USA) & **Greya** – Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof

Geneva, Switzerland – December 14, 2025 – The €1,200,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* at the 2025 CHI Geneva 5* provided a thrilling climax to the 64th edition of this iconic show, with 40 of the world’s top riders from 12 nations contesting the final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the season. Among them were 12 previous Rolex Grand Slam Major winners, including household names such as Steve Guerdat (SUI), Christian Ahlmann (GER), Harrie Smolders (NED), Kent Farrington (USA), and Scott Brash (GBR).

The first round, designed by Gérard Lachat (SUI), tested the riders’ precision and composure over 14 challenging obstacles at a height of 1.60m. Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci (ITA) set the early pace, going clear in 71.51 seconds. He was joined by Shane Sweetnam, France’s Marc Dilasser (FRA), Swiss rider Jason Smith, Kent Farrington (USA), Belgian Thibeau Spits (BEL), and the German duo of Sophie Hinners (GER) and Christian Ahlmann (SWE), meaning a total of eight riders advanced to the jump-off, which featured eight obstacles. Live contender Scott Brash (GBR) put two fences down, guaranteeing a new Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Prix title as the jump-off line-up took shape.

The jump-off delivered edge-of-the-seat drama. Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and his grey gelding James Kann Cruz set the standard with a double clear in 41.39 seconds, followed by Switzerland’s Jason Smith (SUI) and his stallion Picobello Van’t Roosakker, thrilling the home crowd.

**Kent Farrington** (USA) & **Greya** – Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Thomas Lovelock

The pace then intensified as Kent Farrington (USA) produced a blistering clear round aboard his grey mare Greya, stopping the clock in a sensational 40.04 seconds, thereby knocking Sweetnam off top spot.

Belgian Thibeau Spits (BEL) and Germany’s Sophie Hinners (GER) also went double clear, but both finished over two seconds slower than Farrington. Last to go, Christian Ahlmann (GER) put down an early fence, handing victory – and the Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender title – to Farrington.

The triumph marked Farrington’s third Rolex Grand Slam Major victory – and his first Major win in over six years – and made for a particularly sweet success after Friday’s heartbreak in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, where he had finished agonisingly runner-up to Scott Brash (GBR). With this win, Farrington once again demonstrated his unrivalled speed, precision, and championship character under pressure, capping a remarkable week in Geneva.

On his third Major victory, Farrington commented: “I feel very proud to be back here with a top horse and I’m really happy with her result today. I thought she jumped unreal and she deserved to win a big class like this, so a great way to finish the year.”

On his mare Greya, Farrington said: “I’m super proud of Greya and I’m happy for my whole team that’s behind me and bringing this all together for me. It really is a team sport and there’s a lot behind the scenes, and I’m very happy for all involved.”

Finally, on his groom Denise Moriarty, Farrington added: “Denise is a huge part of my success. She’s been with me a long time now, more than 10 years. She’s been a big part of the journey and my career and bringing up these horses, riding the highs and the lows, which is a tough reality of our sport – you lose a lot more than you win. So, to be there in those tough moments and be there in those great moments, I’mvery lucky to have her as a part of my team.”