Matias Fernandez and Disaronno VT wins $50,000 Grand Prix at the SHP Season Finale

The 2015 Grand Prix season at Sonoma Horse Park came to an exciting conclusion, on Saturday evening, with the $50,000 Grand Prix. Out of a field of 18 horse and rider combinations, seven returned for the jump off with Matias Fernandez and Disaronno VT, owned by Jennifer Santana, taking the blue in a double clear time of 44.454 seconds.

Jamie Barge entered two mounts, and was double clear on both to take the second and third prize. Only 1/10^thof a second behind Matias, Jamie’s mount, Luebbo (owner, Kylie Co.) stopped the clock in 44.577 seconds. Her other mount Lasse (owner, Kylie Co.) was the only other double clear in 52.151.

Matias won tonight’s class on a horse very new to him. “Disaronno VT is 11 years old and owned by Jennifer Santana. He just came to Dusty and I on Wednesday, after competing at the Pan Am Games. This is my first class with him, and he was fantastic.” Only exciting things are to come for this pair, as tomorrow they head to the Sacramento International Horse Show.

Tonight’s course was designed by Peter Grant and consisted of many turns, a double, and a triple combination that proved to be the challenge area for quite a few riders. “Tonight’s course was good. It was tough enough, and set at a good height, which proved perfect for my horse. I am so happy to be competing at Sonoma Horse Park, and thanks to my trainer, Dusty Blackwood, for all of her support.”