Ireland’s Alan Wade presented 50 competitors with a 14-effort course for Wednesday’s $10,000 1.40m Open Jumper Two-Phase at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, where NAYC Bronze medalist Gracie Allen piloted Jelster Van Stal Romaro to the win in 31.515 seconds.
The Hampton Classic, August 28-September 4, is one of the world’s most prestigious horse shows, offering more than $1 million in prize money during a full schedule featuring competitors at every level from young children in leadline to Olympic, World, and World Cup Champions. The Classic also has competitions for riders with disabilities.
“He’s incredible,” Allen said of her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “I’ve had him for about a year and a half now. He’s only eight this year, and he just started jumping this height in June. He’s a bit inexperienced at this height, but he’s really incredible and so game. I feel like I can take a lot of chances with him like I did today. Coming off the vertical (at the top of the ring), I was just trying to get to the next oxer as quickly as I could while still coming in straight at the end. I really left out a stride and went for it, and he was really helpful to me there. I think it was his best jump of the day.
“It’s such a pleasure to be here at the Classic,” she added. “We drive up and trailer the horses ourselves, and it truly is a family operation at home. I’m really proud to win a class here because my horse has been so good the last few days, and he deserves the win today.”
Allen’s time was 1.7 seconds ahead of other competitors, including fellow American Adrienne Sternlicht, who rode Lafayette Van Overis, Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, to second-place honors with a time of 33.298 seconds. Ireland’s Richie Moloney took third aboard Equinimity LLC’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Carnlea Premier, tripping the timers in 33.433 seconds.
Moloney’s performances in the Hampton Classic’s last three Open Jumper classes have catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard in the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge with a total of 105 points. Alison Robitaille (USA) maintains second place with 104 points, while McLain Ward (USA) has moved into third with 100 points. The Challenge, which awards $30,000 and a LONGINES watch to the winner, will be awarded Sunday following the $410,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix.
source: Press Release