Lexington, Kentucky: Canada's hottest rising star, Kim Farlinger, opened her summer season with a credible third place finish in the $25,000 Lexington Classic CSI Event during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show May 11-15, aboard the impressive Dutch mare La Forza.

Held at the infamous Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show hosts CSI internationally ranked events that draw top riders from throughout North America to compete. A field of thirty-five competitors took to the picturesque Johnson Ring to battle course designer Richard Jeffery's twisting test that was long and arduous.

With ten clear rounds posted, the timed phase became a speed race resembling events that have taken place in past years at the nearby Churchill Downs Racetrack. Early on, it was the record holder for most grand prix victories in one year, Aaron Vale, who was at the top of the leader board with his talented mount Romulus in a time of 41.05 seconds. With no one able to challenge the leading time successfully, Farlinger, aboard the eight year old mare La Forza, opted to be fast but not full out, and moved into second position behind Vale.

However, the class was far from over as former Olympian, Laura Kraut, was determined to take the win and with all the skill of a seasoned veteran, stole the victory with her speedy partner Allegiance in a lightening fast time of 40.98 seconds. When the dust settled it was Kraut on top, with Vale settling for second and Farlinger in third. Maggie Jayne finished fourth with Jubulent and fellow Canadian Kelley Small, opting for a cautious clear with her powerful grey gelding Calibur, was fifth.

Twenty year old Farlinger, a native of Annan, Ontario, was thrilled with the outcome today. "La Forza started jumping at the Grand Prix level only a few months ago. She's a naturally fast horse, but to go as fast as I would have needed to go in order to win wasn't the best plan. She's still at the developing stages and it's not a wise training philosophy at this point of her education and level of expertise," commented Farlinger. "I saw how the class was unfolding and my plan was to be clear and quick enough to finish in the top three. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome today."

Farlinger was in the money two more times before the conclusion of the week, including a ninth place finish in the $15,000 Bluegrass Derby with La Forza and a fifth place finish in the $7,500 High Amateur Classic with her newest talented mount, Cordoba. Competition will resume in Kentucky May 18-22 with internationally ranked events being held both Thursday and Sunday during the Kentucky Spring Classic.