Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise win the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Upper Echelon Academy at the Spring Spectacular II.
Hector Loyola designed a technical track for the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers today, with only five riders able to master his opening round. Although Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise were the first to return for the jump-off, the duo left no stone unturned as they set the pace at 31.191 seconds, setting a benchmark that would prove too difficult for any other competitors to parallel.
"I knew I had to set the pace, and I wanted to get it done early, so I knew there were some places where I could get it done because his stride is so big and he is so adjustable," Rinaldi explained. "Winning this Classic means so much to me because I have been working so hard with him, and he works so hard for me. We have really been clicking."
Hunter Holloway laid down a swift round, focusing on young mount VDL Bravo S' quick stride as she went against the clock. As they soared over the final oxer of the class, they tripped the timers in 32.984 seconds, good enough for the second place. Ironically, it was the Hays Investment Corporation, who is the owner of nearly all of the Holloway mounts, who sold Rinaldi G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise nearly four year ago.
"I tried him in Ocala and I fell in love with him instantly," Rinaldi said. "I just want to continue doing my best. I am so fortunate to have him, he is such a good horse for me."
Third place was awarded to High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper newcomer Louisa Brackett and Memphis Belle. Moving up from the Low and Medium Jumper divisions, Brackett took a shot at the raised heights, posting a clear short course in 33.176 seconds as the last of the five to post a double clear effort.
"I really liked the course today. I think Hector did a great job. There were some tricky parts, but I thought it was designed extremely well," Rinaldi said. "I think the last two weeks have gone well here at the Spring Spectacular, I am really happy with all of my horses, and I am so thankful for all of my trainers."
Rinaldi trains with Alex Jayne, Maggie Jayne and Hayley Rolfe out of Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois. Coincidentally, the Jayne's have a large stake in Upper Echelon Academy, the presenting sponsor of the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, as Nate Rolfe, the Dean of Students at UEA, is married to Hayley Rolfe. Rinaldi's win brought the sponsorship full circle.
Formally started three years ago, the Upper Echelon Academy provides customized learning programs for students, mainly equestrians that are traveling for competitions, as well as students that travel to Wellington for the winter show circuit. It is in this way that the Academy is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete, with high-level tutors and owners who themselves have ties to the equestrian community available for students.
Caelinn Leahy and Bloesem
Thirty-six competitors lined the Grand Prix Ring for their shot at the top of the earnings in the $10,000 NAL/M&S Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Tapestry Farms. Today Caelinn Leahy would ride away victorious with Bloesem, as the fastest of only eight double clear efforts. She laid down a clean track as the second to return in the jump-off, blazing the trail in a mere 31.960 seconds.
"It was a lot of fun, she is a newer ride for me, and she is just a lot of fun. I am still learning her little quirks, but every show I feel like we are improving, and think she is even jumping better," Leahy said. "She is a very sensitive mare. I think that you have to take that into consideration. She needs a release, and she also jumps really big so you have to land softly and be aware of her antics."
Leahy made up time during the long galloping stretches, as well as with her efficiency in the rollbacks and turns.
"To the final two jumps I just let her go," Leahy said. "We turned really quickly after the Old Barrington oxer, and we have actually been working on our turns at home, so she turned on a dime to the wall."
Chelsea Babcock and Da Vinci took the second place with their clean jump-off time of 32.390 seconds, while Samantha Wagner and L'Etoile finished in the third place in 33.233 seconds.
"This was a phenomenal week. I was super happy with all my horses," Leahy smiled. "They are excelling, and they are just a lot of fun. I am learning something from them every day."
Kristin Smith and Ophelia
Six riders were able to master the $5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic track, yet it was déjà vu as Kristin Smith and the 19-year-old Ophelia, owned by Jill Donaldson, took the victory in 34.850 seconds, flashing back to the 2014 Spring Spectacular II.
"She is awesome, she loves it here-she loves the footing, she's happy, and she loves her job," Smith smiled. "She is 19 years old, and you always know that you are going to get to the other side of the jumps. We are in sync, and I trust her completely, which means I can be as crazy as I want to be."
Indiana-native Smith began riding with Tammy Provost when she was 13 years old, but after taking a 15-year hiatus to have three children and work full time, Smith is thrilled to be back in the saddle and training with Provost.
"This is my favorite horse show," Smith said. "The ring is great, the footing is great, the courses are challenging. There were a lot of jumps out there, it was long, had a tight time allowed, and we were going against great exhibitors. It is always nice to be able to do so well in these classes, and to feel so appreciated as an exhibitor; you don't find that at any other shows. They really make you feel special here."
Smith is a full-time mother with three children to juggle, but she is thrilled that her 3-year-old daughter has caught horse fever.
"She is starting to do the lead line classes," Smith said excitedly. "She isn't showing here this year, but hopefully she will have her moment in the Grand Prix Ring this time next year. She loves it, and she is so excited to ride a pony every Sunday."
Emily Colella and Filibuster followed close behind, earning the second place with their double clear in 35.464 seconds. Holly Yeterian laid down the last of the double clears with Zero Point, stopping the clock in 44.614 seconds.
Katy Hamilton and Sacha 12
Katy Hamilton and Sacha 12 took the win during the $5,000 NAL Children's Jumper Classic, stopping the clock at 38.138 seconds. MacKenzie Snider and Varina captured the second, just off her pace, finishing in 38.377 seconds. Third place was awarded to Ashley Falk and Boekit for their time of 38.866 seconds, posted without fault.
$2,500 Low Children's/Adult Jumper Classic
It was Angela Swanson and The Superficial that took the win during the $2,500 Low Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. They led the way with a time of 35.240 seconds to take the victory more than two seconds ahead of second place finisher Natalie Jayne and Aro. Anna Prall and Mister Pollite finished third in 38.818 seconds.
Angela Swanson and The Superficial
For more information on the Showplace Spring Spectacular Series, please visit: www.showplaceproductions.com.