The first week of the Lexington Split Rock Hunter Jumper Classic culminated Sunday, June 13, with hunter, jumper, and equitation competition taking place throughout the Kentucky Horse Park. Highlighted by the $100,000 1.45m Grand Prix CSI2*, the Claiborne Ring saw 53 horse-and-rider combinations set out to tackle Anderson Lima’s (MEX) 16-effort track, but none could catch 22-year-old Taylor St. Jacques (USA) who took the top honors aboard longtime partner Upsilon De La Liniere.
Jessica Mendoza (GBR) set the pace early on in the jump-off with 14-year-old Dublin. Holding the lead for five trips, her time was finally challenged by St. Jaques and her own 13-year-old Selle Français gelding as they stunned the crowd to overtake the top time of 39.560 seconds by just under one second. Mendoza ultimately finished in second place, while Catherine Tyree (USA) finished in third place with BEC Lorenzo to showcase an all-female podium. The only Canadian in the field, Nicole Walker, placed 20th riding Excellent B.
“This is my first FEI and my first Grand Prix win so this is very special for me. I am over the moon. I’ve had this horse for almost three years and we have a really good partnership. We’re now at a point where when we go into the ring he wants to win as badly as I do and I can feel that in every jump. This is my first Split Rock show that I’ve been to and I’m impressed. The venue is fantastic and the turnout is great. I have really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to next week here,” commented St. Jacques.