The featured event of the day at the SRJT Columbus International CSI 2* at Brave Horse Equestrian Center in Johnstown, OH, was a little different than what you see at most horse shows.
The $5,000 1.40 Meter Winning Round II.2a, saw 34 horses start, with the top 10 from that initial round coming back to contest a second round regardless of the score. Faults incurred in the first round would be carried forward onto the second round.
The top ten horse and rider combinations returned in reverse order, all leading up to the clear round in the fastest time from the first round, a position held by Ireland's Michael Hutchinson and Ronaldo De La Pome, owned by Candy Tribble. The tiny bay was put into gear and the pair flew through the second round course leaving every fence untouched in a time of 37.092 seconds to capture top honors.
"I have been riding Ronaldo for about six months now," said Hutchinson. "He is from Windsor Show Stables and I am very lucky to get to ride him. It is a pleasure to even get to jump these classes. It is fantastic we did so well today. We have to clean a bit of tack and maybe then we can take a drink to celebrate."
Emanuel Andrade, VEN, advanced two mounts forward to the second round. His best effort was with Boy IV, who posted double clear rounds in a time of 37.108 a mere 0.016 of a second slower than Hutchinson. Andrade took second place with Boy IV and seventh with Gran Mamut.
Alejandro Karolyi, who also represents Venezuela, was third aboard Lincourt Gino, owned by Monica Carrera, also turned in a double clear performance but their time of 38.383 seconds could not withstand the challenges of Andrade or Hutchinson.
Francesca Bolfo, Chicago, IL, guided Cadermie to win the HorseFlight 1.30 Meter Junior/Amateur Owner Speed class, finishing the round with no penalties in a time of 60.32 seconds. Bolfo, who trains with Olympic veteran Chris Kappler, brought three horses to the Columbus International and has made it onto the winner's podium with each of the three.
