“It’s always nice to be last in the jump-off,” said Chapot. “The main question in my mind was whether there were eight strides to the last jump and after a few went, it seemed like that was a possibility if you got the right fence in. I know my horse is naturally very fast, so I don’t want to get too caught up in the numbers around the turn and just try to ride it as smoothly as possible. I caught a really good one coming to that last line so the eight was even just nice and easy for him.”
Third place went to Nicole Bellissimo (USA) and Charlie & Nicole LLC’s Jersey V.D. Hunters, who finished clear in 37.81 seconds. There were 14 clear in the first round and six of those went double clear.
It was another victory this season for Chandon Blue, who won the two-star grand prix in WEF 7 and have also recorded three second place finishes in two-star and three-star competition at WEF.
Chapot has ridden the 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Chacco Blue for a year since Olympic bronze medalist Cian O’Connor recommended the horse to her. “He had the horse for a number of years, and he thought it would be a good match and it’s turned out,” Chapot explained. “He’s really exceeded my expectations. We didn’t really know where he would go, what ability he would end up with, but he jumps it easily and I’m just so pleased. He’s got a lot of spirit and a lot of engine, and that’s the kind of horse I like.”
Final Results: $36,000 Griffis Residential 1.45m Classic CSI 2*
1 CHANDON BLUE: 2005 Oldenburg gelding by Chacco Blue x Landcapitol
LAURA CHAPOT (USA), Mary Chapot: 0/0/35.37
2 FARRERO: 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Boss x Indorado
RODRIGO PESSOA (BRA), Hillside Farm Inc.: 0/0/37.39
3 JERSEY V.D. HUNTERS: 2009 BWP mare by Scendix x Canadian River
NICOLE BELLISSIMO (USA), Charlie & Nicole LLC: 0/0/37.81
4 RANDON PLEASURE: 2005 Selle Francais mare by For Pleasure x Quidam de Revel FABIO LEIVAS DA COSTA (BRA), Bonne Chance Farm: 0/0/37.88
5 CAPTAIN COOPER: 2007 KWPN gelding by Namelus R x Corland
HILARY MCNERNEY (USA), Hilary McNerney: 0/0/37.96
6 PRADO K: 2003 Westphalian gelding by Prado x Dynast
BLISS HEERS (USA), Bridgeside Farms LLC: 0/0/38.37
7 CLOCHARD: 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Kasmir van Schuttershof x Cascadeur
CARLY ANTHONY (USA), Neil Jones Equestrian Inc.: 0/4/36.62
8 NATHAN DETROIT: 2007 Hanoverian gelding by Contendro I x Acord II
PARIS SELLON (USA), Willow Grace Farm: 0/4/37.58
9 CASCO 11: 2009 Holsteiner gelding by Caspar x Colman
LAUREN TISBO (USA), Tequestrian Farms LLC: 0/4/37.85
10 FANTASY BB: 2010 KWPN mare by Cardento 933 x Indorado
JONATHAN MCCREA (USA), Candy Tribble: 0/4/39.28
11 GRASSHOPPER: 2011 KWPN mare by Quality Time TN x Quattro
JAMES CHALKE (IRL), Stonepine Stables: 0/4/41.46
12 MUFASA: 2008 BWP gelding by Wandor van de Misplaere x Calvados
EMILIE CONTER (BEL), Emilie Conter: 0/4/41.60