Lauren Hough of the United States rolled back the years with a vintage performance to claim victory ©FEI

Lauren Hough of the United States rolled back the years with a vintage performance to claim victory at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Cup Jumping North American League Eastern Sub-League event at the Verizon Centre in Washington D.C.

Hough, a six-time FEI World Cup finalist and who represented her country at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, took full advantage of being the last rider out on the course as she produced a clear round to take top spot.

The 39-year-old American, on board Ohlala, finished in a time of 36.56sec to edge team-mate Laura Kraut, riding Confu.

Kraut had set the standard with a quick and clear round of her own when she took to the course midway through the second batch of riders and she would have been hopeful it was enough for her to secure the win.

Hough had other ideas, however, and managed to complete the course over a second faster than her compatriot.

Third place went to Kent Farrington of the United States and his horse Creedance.

The result was enough for Farrington to keep his advantage at the summit of the North American League Eastern Sub-League standings on 42 points.

Audrey Coulter is tied on points with Farrington in second place, while Kraut sits in third on 30 following her second place finish in Washington.

"I had the advantage of going last and seeing what Kent’s time was and Laura’s time was, and I decided to play it on the safe side and put in extra strides," the victorious American said.

Kent Farrington of the United States remains the overall leader of the World Cup Jumping North American League Eastern Sub-League after a third place finish in Washington D.C. ©Getty Images
Kent Farrington of the United States remains the overall leader of the World Cup Jumping North American League Eastern Sub-League after a third place finish in Washington D.C. ©Getty Images

"But my horse is naturally fast and she can cut turns short.

"She’s been in great form all week.

"I did take a bit of a risk with the turns because Laura’s not a slow rider.

"I had to ride a smart round."

Hough is confident that the pair can continue their good form during the next stop on the FEI World Cup Jumping North American League Eastern Sub-League event, scheduled to take place at the National Horse Show in Lexington in Kentucky on November 5.

"As you grow with the horse, you change some things here and there, and I changed her bridle in the last year and have really concentrated on her rideability on the flat," she said.

"The jumping comes natural to her - so I’m just tweaking little things here and there.

"She’s very adaptable to all types of venue.

"I would say, in the last couple years, her rideability indoors has improved quite a bit."