Saugerties, New York – July 25, 2024 – The $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI 3* debuted the week of FEI action in the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium as 35 duos darted over Ken Krome’s (USA) speed track. The time to beat got faster and faster until Kristen Vanderveen (USA), known as the speed queen for a reason, closed the door with a quick time of 63.75 seconds on Bull Run’s Hesed.
“I went first and I think that actually worked to my advantage,” explained Vanderveen of her round with Bull Run Jumpers Inc’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Christian 25 x Lord Z). “I didn’t watch anybody so I just did what I could. It was a unique and different course; we don’t see so many Table C classes with faults converted, and it had some unique turns to encourage us to take a few more risks.”
For Vanderveen, the popularity of the Hudson Valley Showjumping® Tour is an exciting showcase of international competition in the Northeast.
“I think it’s great,” she affirmed. “I had no idea when I decided to come here that it was going to be this busy, but it’s amazing. It’s really worked out incredibly to be able to have this many horses here and still feel like you can get all of your work done and be happy.
“I haven’t been to Hits Hudson Valley since they did all of the improvements,” she added. “I love that they’ve redone all of the rings. We had some rain at the beginning of the week, and it proved to be no problem!”
Hot on Vanderveen’s heels was fellow American Alex Matz (USA). Leaving just over a second of a gap between himself and the winning pair, Matz and 5 Star Partner’s 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casalito x Lerano 2), GK Finette, clocked in with a time of 64.89 seconds for second place.
The class proved to have an all-American podium as young rider Mimi Gochman (USA) rounded out the top three with a phenomenal performance on the Gochman Partners LLC’s 12-year-old KWPN mare (Eldorado vd Zeshoek x Heartbreaker), Halita BH, that saw them stop the clock in 65.38 seconds.
Final Results – $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI3*
1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Hesed – 0 – 63.75
2) Alex Matz (USA) & GK Finette – 0 – 64.89
3) Mimi Gochman (USA) & Halita BH – 0 – 65.38
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography
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Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News USA
