McElvain and Wallstreet RC, a 2007 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Cardento x R.Z. Calettina Retto) owned by Guy McElvain, snatched the win in the first major class of the summer circuit, with a jump-off time of 42.07 seconds. Karen Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Southern Pride, owned by Blair Cudmore, took second place with timers stopping at 40.534 seconds, while adding four penalties. Charlie Carrel of Sheridan, WY, and Utopik, owned by Louise Plank, finished the track with four faults and a jump-off time of 42.252 seconds.
McElvain has been riding the stallion for the past five years and the duo recently competed in their first AIG $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, CA, this past spring.
“He’s been a big project for me for a long time,” said McElvain. “I’m so lucky to have this horse.”
She continued, “I thought the course designer did a great job. He made it more technical than the Welcome and it tested our versatility. It was fun to be out there in the jump-off with Karen and Charlie as well, competing with the top guns of the group.”
The duo mapped out their jump-off plan, as only one of three combinations to advance to the short course. Mauricio Garcia, who built a tough but positive track for the competitors, managed the evening’s course design.
“When it came down to the jump-off, I tried to stay in Karen’s tracks. She did the seven to the last oxer, which actually threw me outside of her track slightly, but my horse took care of me and luckily we jumped it clear.”
Earlier in the week, Kelli Cruciotti of Parker, CO, and Haylie van de Groenendijk, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Catalano x Evica VD Groenendijk), owned by Serenity Farm, bested competition in the $20,000 Open Welcome Stake. Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and mount Cassin, owned Blair Cudmore, followed in second position, jumping the track in 41.676 seconds. Following in third place was Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, MO, and Emir D, owned by Helen Gilbert, on a time of 42.121 seconds.
Cruciotti commented, “I thought the course was great. Week one, it’s nice to have something that is inviting and comfortable for the horses, but challenging as well. Our first-round rode really well, and then I thought that in the jump-off we were given a lot of options.”
The pair united last year and after a blip in their competition season last summer, Cruciotti has been bringing her back slowly. This was the first major class the duo has jumped since returning to competition.
“This is her first time back in the big ring, it makes it extra special. The fact that we are on this journey together, makes it much more rewarding.”
The pair made up time in the jump-off and Cruciotti credited the mare for her quickness. She commented. “She turns super fast, and she follows my eye. I was lucky that I could use the turns to my advantage and she was right there for me. I’m really happy with her performance today.”