John Perez and Utopia (Captured Moments Photography)

San juan Capistrano, Calif. - On an idyllic Southern California afternoon, the $30,000 1.40m Markel Insurance Grand Prix, presented by Davidson Communities, welcomed twenty entries. With a mixed field of veterans, young horses and rookie grand prix riders, Jackie Leemon's expansive course challenged but didn't over face the competitors. In a jump-off of eleven horse and rider combinations, seasoned partners John Perez and Utopia rose above the rest to earn the top prize.

Featuring 13 efforts in a time allowed of 92 seconds, challenging elements included the spooky Davidson Communities oxer and a triple combination at the end of the field. Course designer Jackie Leemon from Wellington, FL, elaborated on the process of creating a course for horses of all levels.

"I tried to utilize the entire field, and the riders will need to gallop quite a bit to make the time allowed. There are some good turns in here, a lot of square oxers, and I tried to keep the water attractive for the younger horses."

Leemon was excited to return to the West Coast. "I was Linda Allen's assistant last year, so it's great to be back here on my own this year," she explained. "I lived in California and rode with Hap Hansen back in the day, so I'm very happy to return to this beautiful venue!"

Although eleven entries went without fault, ten returned for a thrilling jump-off. Featuring tight rollbacks and daring inside turns, as the jump-off progressed the riders demonstrated increased speed and accuracy. Gabby Salick aboard Centuria 2 was the first double clean in 42.05; immediately afterwards, Leslie Steele on Oh My Goodness bested that time, going clean in 40.52.

Fifth to go in the jump-off, Jamie Barge on Kylieco's Lasse set the next clear time to beat of 38.77 seconds. She held the lead until Michelle Parker on Washington (David Kroff, owner) sped through the timers in 38.32.

Galloping in after Parker, Perez and Utopia demonstrated their veteran partnership by shaving off 1.38 seconds, stopping the clock in 36.94. Parker and Washington finished second, while Barge and Lasse retained their place in the standings to take third.

Perez reflected on his winning track in the jump-off. "I think where I really made up the time was to the combination, and I also did one stride less to the last line. Utopia is really fast!" he said. "I've been riding her for seven years. Our plan this year includes the Central American Games in Xalapa, Mexico where I will ride for Columbia."

RESULTS
$30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix
Place - Number - Horse - Rider - Owner - Faults/Time
1. 657 - Utopia - John Perez - John Perez - 0/0/36.943
2. 683 - Washington - Michelle Parker - David Kroff - 0/0/38.327
3. 461 - Lasse - Jamie Barge - Kylieco - 0/0/38.770
4. 678 - Alfie - Eduardo Sanchez Navarro - Eduardo Sanchez Navarro - 0/0/39.394
5. 255 - Oh My Goodness - Leslie Steele - Leslie Steele - 0/0/40.524
6. 462 - Luebbo - Jamie Barge - Kylieco - 0/0/42.036
7. 246 - Centuria 2 - Gabriella Salick - Gabriella Salick, LLC - 0/0/42.053
8. 458 - Zamiro 16 - Kara Chad - Stone Ridge Farms, LLC - 0/4/37.367
9. 319 - Java Keltic Courage - Molly Talla - Molly Talla - 0/8/39.795
10. 674 - Daylight - Theodore Boris - Mary Sweeney - 0/8/52.429
11. 658 - Gran Amour - John Perez - John Perez - 0/DNR
12. 677 - Socrates - Michelle Parker - Cross Creek Farms, Inc. - 4/84.587