Laura Chapot and Shooting Star raced to a win in the $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m Speed Challenge as the first week of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued Friday at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The class concluded before inclement weather caused the cancellation of competition for the remainder of the day. WEF, which kicked off on Wednesday, continues through April 3 and awards $9 million in prize money. Highlights of the first week of WEF include the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes on Saturday, January 16, at 7 pm, and the $75,000 Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC Grand Prix at 2 pm on Sunday, January 17. Both events will be live streamed at www.COTH.com, or CLICK HERE to watch. Chapot and Shooting Star, owned by Mary Chapot, broke the timer beam in 71.21 seconds early in Friday’s one-round speed class and kept the lead to top a starting field of 36 over a track set by course designer Eric Hasbrouck (USA). Andrew Kocher (USA) challenged Chapot with Prof de la Roque, but his time of 72.34 seconds came up shy and settled him in second for Postage Stamp Farm, LLC. Chapot answered back to take third aboard Out of Ireland in 73.15 seconds, while Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) jumped into fourth in 74.25 seconds in the irons of Coriandolo Di Ribani for owner Miguel Madero. Amanda Starbuck (USA) piloted Carte Blanche to a time of 74.29 seconds to round out the top five for Starbuck Equestrian. Shooting Star, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Phin Phin x Pion), has been under Chapot’s guidance for four years and, according to her, has found his niche in the 1.40m speed classes at WEF. “He’s not the fastest horse, but he has a huge stride, really nice technique and is brave at the jumps so he doesn’t waste a lot of time,” said Chapot. “These are great classes for him and if he can go smooth like he did today he’s always in the top three.” Hasbrouck welcomed horses and riders alike back to WEF through his Week 1 courses, and Chapot was pleased with how Shooting Star handled the introduction. “It’s always hard to build the first week, but he’s done a fantastic job of getting everyone comfortable in the International Arena again,” she said. With 12 consecutive weeks of top competition ahead at WEF, Chapot consistently gives her horses a break during the fall and winter months. Shooting Star hasn’t competed since November and put his fresh legs to good use on Friday. “I am thrilled with the way he jumped. To have him step up the first week is a nice feeling,” added Chapot. Preceding Chapot’s victory, Friday competition got under way in the International Arena earlier in the day with a win for Tina Di Landri and Juanita in the $2,500 MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY High Amateur-Owner Jumper class. Sophie Michaels and MCB Maya took the top spot in the $1,500 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper class while Laura Kraut rode Gipsy King to a win in the $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m.
