It was a fifth win in five days for Francesca Bolfo at the Split Rock Jumping Tour Columbus International CSI 2*, but this one she had to fight for.
The course for the $7,500 High 1.40m Junior/Amateur Owner Final, designed by Alan Wade, left no competitor unscathed. Of the 15 original starters, Only Sloan Hopson with Costa Rica VH Waterschoot Z and Bolfo on Jadalco, were able to post clear rounds.
Hopson had a rail down in a time of 41.092, leaving the door open for Bolfo. All looked well for Bolfo, until she, too, had a rail down, but she pushed Jadalco for more speed and the horse responded to finish in a time of 39.231 to take first place.
"I had another horse that went second in the class," said Bolfo. "And I definitely faced some difficulties right off the bat. I knew coming back with Jadalco that he is such a scopey horse and such a good guy that if I was prompt and under the time I stood a good chance, but having an opportunity to watch everyone else really helped. In the jump off I had the luck of the draw in going after Sloan, and when she had the rail down, I had a plan. Then I had the same rail down and realized I had to pick up the pace and get going. I know my horse is incredibly scopey so I could make a really tight turn back on the wall and then find the last line quite easily.
"Jadalco and I partnered up this July," continued Bolfo. "He is only 8, and he is such a love. I am so fortunate to have a horse like him. He has the most incredible temperament. He is a joy to show, he is a joy to be with on the ground and he loves spending time with people. He loves my dog. He loves my mother. All around I am just thrilled about him and I am looking forward to what is going to happen in the future."