First to go in the $35,000 FEI 1.45m Blenheim Welcome Jumper Classic, presented by E2 Show Jumpers and Gallagher/Meller Sport Horses, Eduardo Menezes simply could not be beat. In a power and speed format, once going clean in the first phase, Menezes and the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare, Caruschka, sped around the speed phase, choosing a smooth track at a forward pace, in a time of 23.83. With over fifty entries, and eleven double clean rides, the closest to Menezes was the pair who finished second, Will Simpson and The Dude (Nicole Walker, owner) who stopped the clock in 26.31.
"She can really cover the ground," Menezes said of Carushka. "Going first I knew I had to go for it, and it worked out.
The top five was completed by France's Eric Navet aboard the 9-year-old Catypso (by catoki) in fourth and Michelle Fellers with the 15-year-old Revenge (by Quite Easy I) in fifth. Both combinations made it a clear finish.
