Kent Farrington & Rexton, winners of the $116,500 Discovery Land Company Grand Prix. Photo © Shannon Brinkman
Amenia, N.Y. – October 4, 2026—For the second time in as many years, current world no. 2 Kent Farrington (USA) topped the podium in the $116,500 Discovery Land Company Grand Prix. During the 2026 Discovery Land Company Masters, however, he unveiled a new talent in Rexton, an up-and-coming mount that won his first grand prix on Sunday at Highlands Hudson Valley.
Seven horses advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off track designed by Nick Granat (USA). Farrington’s bid with his own 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diaron OLD x Chacco-Blue) was uncatchable in 34.23 seconds.
Sloane Coles (USA) rode Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve, a 13-year-old mare owned by The Ninja Group, to second in 35.49 seconds. She also received the Cara Cara Leading Lady Rider Award for her top finish. Jacqueline Ruyle, who hails from Texas, had the time for second, but pulled a single rail to settle for third in 35.27 seconds. She piloted her own 9-year-old mare H Cornetta DK to round out the all-American podium in her debut at Highlands.
“I was ending my tour in Europe, and when I saw him in Germany, I knew he was one who needed to come home with me,” said Farrington of Rexton’s recent appearance in his string. They made their debut together at The Hampton Classic at the end of the summer before scoring their first Grand Prix win together at Highlands on Sunday.
Germany’s Mylen Kruse previously campaigned Rexton. “I think what I saw in him is very obvious; he’s a very exciting horse,” continued Farrington. Rexton’s scope, foot speed and natural talent were all showcased in the Discovery Land Company Grand Prix.
For his care and preparation of Rexton, groom Arthur Anty received the YETI Grooms Award.
When asked about his experience at Highlands Hudson Valley, Farrington responded, “What Pedro, Judy and the Highlands team are doing here is incredible. It feels great to be sitting here two years in a row, and I am very much looking forward to next week’s five-star.”
Highlands Hudson Valley continues next week with the Highlands Cup 5*/2*. Complete results from the $116,500 Discovery Land Company Grand Prix, click HERE.
Junior and Amateur Riders in the Spotlight on Classic Sunday
With a dedicated emphasis on athlete experience, the Discovery Land Company Masters welcomed junior and amateur riders to the ring on Sunday for a celebration of sport starting at 1.0m and culminating at 1.20m.
Jorge Gomez of Loxahatchee, Fla., guided his own Nuqui to win the $12,500 YETI 1.20m Junior/Amateur Classic in a blistering jump-off time of 27.664 seconds. After winning earlier in the week and falling on the second day of competition, Gomez rallied to take the win and claim champion of the division.
“I was thinking about being like Ben Maher at Spruce Meadows,” joked Gomez. “He fell off one day and won the Masters Grand Prix the next day!
“I work with many top riders at the best shows around the world and think this is still one of the best,” said Gomez—a full-time veterinarian—who rode under the direction of trainer Ilan Bluman during Highlands Hudson Valley.
Earlier in the day, Rachel Nussbaum Barnwell of Highland Beach, Fla., won the $7,500 Skyline Windows 1.10m Junior/Amateur Classic aboard Pilou, owned by her trainer Angelo Danza. They stopped the timers in Nick Granat’s jump-off at 26.865 seconds.
“Pilou is a sales horse in Angelo’s barn, but he and I clicked right away,” said Barnwell. “I got the ride in June and have been focused on this show all summer. We came here ready to win!
“It’s rare to find a place like this,” continued Barnwell, who was competing at Highlands for the second consecutive year. “There are very few shows these days that are amateur competitor-focused, and this is one of them.”
After a banner week, Dara Castle of Gaithersburg, Md., won the $5,000 Daily Harvest 1.0m Junior/Amateur Classic in the irons of her own As Di Boy in 27.571 seconds.
“This is the most amazing horse show I’ve ever been to,” said Castle, who trains with Sloane Coles’ Spring Ledge Farm in Virginia. “I have been riding ‘Manny’ for four years. I took last year off from competing, so this was our comeback. I could not have asked for better results for our return—everyone has gone above and beyond to make the riders feel incredibly special.”
Complete results from Classic Sunday at the Discovery Land Company Masters can be found HERE.
Competition during the Discovery Land Company Masters features exceptional offerings for amateur athletes in a breathtaking setting, as well as three-star FEI competition culminating in Sunday’s featured Discovery Land Company 3* Grand Prix. General admission is free all week, and streaming is available at ClipMyHorse.Tv. For more information on ticketing, special events and schedules, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.
About Highlands Hudson Valley
Highlands is a 1,000-acre destination in New York’s Hudson Valley where world-class equestrian competition, luxury hospitality, automotive culture, art, and philanthropy come together. Home to The Autumn Invitational—a collection of signature events including the Discovery Land Company Masters, Highlands Cup, and Bridlemont Concours—it creates immersive experiences that celebrate sport while supporting meaningful community impact throughout the Hudson Valley. Highlands activations include The Gallery Experience, curated by acclaimed artist Brendan Murphy, as well as a Kid Zone, Fan Zone, The Shops at Highlands, and more. Highlands Horse Show Inc. is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. To learn more, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.