Jessica Mendoza (GBR) topped the day’s $37,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty 1.45m CSI2* with Dublin, a 2007 German Sport Horse gelding (Cobra x Calido) owned by Windsor Farms. The pair rode to victory in the class of 73 entries, after 20 horse-and-rider combinations returned to contest the Michel Vaillancourt (CAN)-designed fast track.
Medoza and Dublin cleared the second course in a quick 31.07 seconds. “I knew that there were a lot of horses coming back for the jump-off,” began Mendoza, “so I knew that it was going to be a quick one. I had to get going from the beginning and try to leave little to no room for anyone else to sneak in there.”
She continued, “Dublin was very good. At fence number two I turned a little tight and then went a little deep, and he was a good boy with that so I’m very happy with him. He’s probably the most careful horse I’ve ever sat on; he just doesn’t want to touch a fence. You’re either clear or you’ll do something scary when it comes to him. He’s amazing; he’s very intelligent and knows where his legs are.”
The 24-year-old is currently developing her string of horses and is utilizing her veteran mounts while the youngsters move up the ranks. She explained, “This season I haven’t really got a grand prix horse ready to go. I’ve got two nine-year-olds that I’m producing, so I’m just using Dublin and Casanova as I wait for those horses to come up and become grand prix horses.”
Celso Ariani (MEX) rode to second place aboard Ukulman De La Nutrina, Ricardo Romero’s 2008 Selle Francais gelding by Quick Star, after completing the jump-off in 32.50 seconds. Third went to Laura Chapot on Mary Chapot’s 2005 Oldenburg gelding (Chacco Blue x Landcapitol), Chandon Blue, finishing in 32.50 seconds.
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