Lexington, Ky. – May 11, 2018 – Friday morning at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show welcomed the $5,000 1.45m Open Jumpers to kick-off jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium, where athletes were tested over Alan Wade’s (IRL) 15-effort track.
Javier Fernandez and Diamond Dream
First to enter the ring, Javier Fernandez (MEX) and Diamond Dream, owned by Patricio Miguel Madero, laid down a clear round, designating the duo as the first to advance to the immediate jump-off. Fernandez and the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare galloped through the timers in a speedy 33.073 seconds, which the following 34 athletes attempted to catch, but were unable to outdo, awarding Fernandez the victory.
Out of the remaining start list, only four additional horse-and-athlete combinations produced a clear round, allowing the opportunity to continue onto the second round, with one electing to withdraw.
Anselmo Alvarado and Inesse Van De Zijpe D’15
Savannah Talcott (USA) followed just after Fernandez with Sea Investments LLC’s 12-year-old Westphalian mare, Espatako’s Electra R, generating another double-clear round in a time of 34.113 seconds, slating her into the second place position which she managed to hold until near the end of the class. However, Anselmo Alvarado (VEN) came close to the top time aboard his own Inesse Van De Zijpe D’15 with a clear round and jump-off time of 33.437 seconds. Alvarado and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare finished just behind Fernandez for the second place ribbon, while Talcott ended in third place.
Immediately following, 21 riders entered the stadium for the High Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers speed-style class resulting in six clear rounds where Francesca Bolfo (USA) bested the competition aboard her own Jadalco in 66.101 seconds.
Sloan Hopson finished in a close second place in a time of 66.330 seconds aboard her own Dalida, while Marion Head and Carjo Z, owned by Scott Head, rode to a time of 68.690 seconds for third place.
Jumper competition resumes Saturday morning in the Rolex Stadium with the return of the $5,000 1.45m Open Jumpers and will highlight the $131,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3* beginning at 6 p.m.
View the original article on Phelps Sports.