Wellington, Florida, USA – March 11, 2021 – Jessica Mendoza (GBR) topped the day’s $37,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty 1.45m CSI 2* with Dublin, a 2007 German Sport Horse gelding (Cobra x Calido), owned by Windsor Farms. The pair rode to victory in the class of 73 entries, with 20 horse-and-rider combinations returning to contest the Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) designed fast track.
Medoza and Dublin cleared the second course in a quick 31.070 seconds. Celso Ariani (BRA) rode to second place aboard Ukulman De La Nutrina, Ricardo Romero’s 2008 Selle Francais gelding by Quick Star, after completing the jump-off in 32.50 seconds.
Third went to Laura Chapot (USA) on Mary Chapot’s Chandon Blue (Chacco Blue x Landcapitol, a 2005 Oldenburg gelding ), finishing in 32.50 seconds.
“I knew that there were a lot of horses coming back for the jump-off,” began Mendoza, “so I knew that it was going to be a quick one. I had to get going from the beginning and try to leave little to no room for anyone else to sneak in there.”
She continued, “Dublin was very good. At fence number two I turned a little tight and then went a little deep, and he was a good boy with that so I’m very happy with him. He’s probably the most careful horse I’ve ever sat on; he just doesn’t want to touch a fence. You’re either clear or you’ll do something scary when it comes to him. He’s amazing; he’s very intelligent and knows where his legs are.”
The 24-year-old is currently developing her string of horses and is utilizing her veteran mounts while the youngsters move up the ranks. She explained, “This season I haven’t really got a grand prix horse ready to go. I’ve got two nine-year-olds that I’m producing, so I’m just using Dublin and Casanova as I wait for those horses to come up and become grand prix horses.”
With all that is happening with the global pandemic and now the EVH-1 outbreaks across Europe, Mendoza expressed her final thoughts as gratitude for the WEF organizers for putting on a safe, competitive show. “It’s incredible to get to show here,” she concluded. “There’s such a safe feeling at this venue. The management does a great job paying attention to the social distancing and biosecurity. We are all just very thankful to be here.”
Final Results – $37,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI 2* 1.45m
1) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & Dublin – 0 / 0 – 31.070
2) Celso Ariani (BRA) & Ukulman de La Nutria – 0 / 0 – 32.505
3) Laura Chapot (USA) & Chandon Blue – 0 / 0 – 32.719
Source: Press release by Kate Pettersen & Sabrina Bashares / Jennifer Wood Media Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions
Photo: © Sportfot
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Categories: CSI 2*, Jumper News Great Britain
