Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) kicked off the new year with a new location, making its Florida debut at TerraNova Equestrian Center for the Split Rock Sarasota International CSI2*. The Thursday highlight event was the $37,000 1.45m FEI Welcome CSI2*. After besting a four-horse jump-off, it was a win for Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza with Windsor Farms’ Dublin (Cobra 18 x Calido 1).
Designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER), the course challenged athletes representing 11 nations. The 16-effort track included a triple combination (vertical-oxer-vertical) and a triple bar to a vertical. Petersen included four combinations in the shortened jump-off round, with Mendoza contesting aboard two mounts, Dublin and Casanova 499. She was first to set the second-round pace with Dublin, producing a quick, clear finish in 40 seconds flat. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) put in a competitive time of 40.19, but had four faults with Hernando and Ana Holguin’s Calle Quinn. Mark Bluman followed aboard Over the Top Stables’ Marilyn but couldn’t match the clear effort, finishing in 41.85 on eight faults. With the victory secured, Mendoza was last to challenge with Casanova 499, owned by Carly Day, putting in a smooth, clear round to earn the second spot on the podium.
“[Dublin and Casanova 499] were both amazing – I didn’t quite expect to be first and second when I woke up today but couldn’t have asked for a better result from them both,” Mendoza said. “I think my horse Dublin loves the courses built, the type of the arenas, and the great competition [at Split Rock].”
Competition will continue at TerraNova Equestrian Center, with the featured $100,000 1.45m Sarasota International Grand Prix CSI2* taking place on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. For more information on the remainder of the 2022 Split Rock Jumping Tour, featuring several new and exciting stops, click here.
Results here.
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