Upperville,VA - The course at the $75,000 Upperville Jumper Classic Grand Prix was merciless. Not one horse managed a clear round, and a week of soggy conditions even led to 10 riders retiring on course. The rain meant that the Grand Prix was every horse's first shot at jumping on the grass field (the welcome class, which is normally held on the grass, had to be moved to the adjacent all weather ring).

Angel Karolyi, who rides for Venezuela but trains out of Aiken, S.C., described the ground as "not sloppy, but soft. The distances were short enough that it’s difficult to keep the shortness of the stride for the horses and keep the engine going.” Riding Amigo, he was able to keep the engine running just enough. They were one of three 4 fault first rounds,and were the only pair of the three to go clear in the jump-off. 

Also competing in the jump-off were Kyle Timm & Wadisson and Ramiro Quintana & Ziedento.