Aaron Vale rode Elusive (Rodrigoo x Capfucino) to victory in the $37,000 Restylane® 1.45m Welcome class at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s (SRJT) new event, the Aiken International CSI2*. Operating under COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, the show will run through Sunday at Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park in Aiken, South Carolina.
“I want to thank everyone for the great turnout we have here this week,” said Derek Braun, Split Rock Jumping Tour founder and CEO. “The support of our exhibitors and sponsors is vital to our efforts to put on a world-class event like this and I thank everyone for helping us make this event so successful!”
Out of a starting field of 47 horses, Vale was one of five to reach the tiebreaking jump-off by riding without penalty over the 13-jump, first-round course designed by 2016 Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge. Two entries then turned in another clean round over the seven-jump, jump-off course with Vale claiming the win with the fastest time of 39.510 seconds. Placing second was Abigail Mcardle with no faults and a time of 40.760 seconds on Victorio 5 (Uccello x Graf Top) with third going to Andrea Torres-Guerreiro who finished with eight faults in 41.320 seconds on Fifty Shades (Call Me Number One x Sion).
“We’re excited to come to Aiken to have a good horse show before the end of the year. It seems to be working out,” said Vale. "I think the atmosphere here (Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park) drives you a little bit too. It’s got a little more atmosphere that gives you more energy and focus, it's working."
