Farrington is here for more than just the chance to win the Geneva leg of the Rolex Grand Slam. The 43-year-old is a huge fan of the CHIG and the spectators it attracts. “It’s one of the best crowds in the world, as I often say. They’re passionate about jumping here, real connaisseurs, and you can really feel that. You can tell that they know their stuff, every rider and every horse that steps out into this legendary arena.” It is a feeling reciprocated by the Geneva public. Is that because of his charisma, perhaps? “Charisma, me? (laughs) They’re applauding my horses more than me.” Yet no matter who they are clapping and cheering for, the applause and support of the crowd have always warmed Farrington’s heart.

His career record speaks for itself and his popularity with the Palexpo crowd is beyond dispute after his six wins in the Trophée de Genève, two in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and that solitary Rolex Grand Prix triumph. The American rider has also built up quite a following on social media thanks to his genuinely amazing fitness training videos. Farrington has always advocated a healthy lifestyle, one almost beyond reproach, believing that if he demands that his horses work hard to stay in perfect shape, then he as their rider has to do the same. “I’ve always loved working out and respecting my body,” explains Farrington, who does around an hour’s exercise every day to stay fit. “It maybe comes from the fact that I lost my father to cancer when I was very young or because I wanted to build myself up fast so I could defend myself against other kids at school. I’ve always been pretty small, so I needed to have other strings to my bow. I do a lot of martial arts, gymnastics and skateboarding, for example.” Kent Farrington, a winner and an inspiration.

Aurore Favre