Champions Crowned at Royal Horse Show
Kim Farlinger & del Destino |
Phase two of the Canadian Championship, had the riders return according to their standings from the first phase that took place Friday night. Third last to go, Farlinger (Annan, ON), laid down an impressive clean round with the nine year old, powerful gelding, del Destino, owned by Peter Farlinger. Millar, returning last, answered with a clean round of his own, aboard Sue Grange’s sensational gelding, In Style. The pressure mounted in the second round, as Farlinger had only one jump down putting her in the lead. Millar needed to jump clean to claim victory and preceded to show case his famous pressure ride, clinching the sought after Canadian Championship title.
The Canadian Championship competition has high stakes. With $70,000 offered over two days, riders also have the added pressure of needing to finish in the top six to earn their way into the rest of the weeks International classes. It’s this format makes the riders “fight for it, and it gives the riders good experience to work and train under that kind of pressure,” commented Millar, a native of Perth, Ontario. As Canada’s sole entry for this years Athens Olympics, Millar was the only pre-selected rider for the Royal’s International events.
Farlinger, not only elated at her reserve Championship, has qualified herself for the remainder of the International competition taking place next week, including the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday evening and the Big Ben Challenge Saturday night.
“I came into the class tonight with my goal set on qualifying for the International division next week. I never expected to be second in my first Championship, but I’m not complaining, I’ll sure take it!” said a jubilant Farlinger.
With the 2004 edition of the Canadian Championships in the record books, Ian Millar sent a message; that he’s still the best, but Kim Farlinger sent a message of her own…make room for me!