Thermal, California, USA – November 02, 2024 – Charlie Jones (GBR) and Capitale 6 could not be caught on Saturday night, November 2, as they cruised to victory in the $100,000 IDA Development & Barnwalkers Grand Prix at National Sunshine Series I in Thermal, CA.
A starting field of 43 entries took on the highlight class of the week at the Desert International Horse Park, with Anderson Lima’s first-round course narrowing that field down to nine to return for the jump-off. From there, it was an increasingly quick race against the clock.
Jamie Gornall (GBR) and Concord Blue were the second pair to return, and they set the early clear time to beat at 40.287 seconds.
While others had the time, single rails continued to fall until Sweden’s Mariano Maggi (SWE) and Quantico 23 entered the ring. As they flew over the final oxer in 39.095 seconds, they relegated Gornall to an eventual third-place finish and put themselves in position to ultimately take home second place.
Jones and Capitale 6 were the penultimate pair to return, and they made it apparent straight from the opening vertical that they were in it to win it.
“With [Capitale 6], I try not to have too many numbers in my head because he’s better if I just keep letting him gallop and not adjust him too much,” explained Jones. That approach paid off, as Jones and Capitale 6 delivered an exceptionally smooth ride over the entirety of the short course, crossing the finish in 38.337 seconds to take home the win.
“[Capitale 6] was really good tonight,” said Jones of the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He is a total machine. The past few months, he’s just been on fire.”
Hailing from England, Jones continues to ride for Great Britian and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he and girlfriend Bretton Chad operate their own Stone Ridge Sport Horses. It was in Canada roughly a year ago that Jones first rode “Pete” for owner Karrie Rufer of Morning Star Sporthorses, and the combination has been successful ever since.
“Massive thanks to Karrie Rufer at Morning Star Sporthorses. They, for the past few weeks, have been keeping him fit for me. He feels amazing,” said Jones.
At just 25 years old, Jones was also presented as the winner of Saturday night’s $5,000 YETI U25 Classic, held concurrently with the grand prix.
Now, the young rider will set his sights on week two of National Sunshine Series and returning to DIHP for Desert Holiday in December.
“For me, these shows, the November and December are amazing,” concluded Jones. “I look forward to them all year; they’re just great shows.”
Final Results – $100,000 IDA Development & Barnwalkers Grand Prix
1) Charlie Jones (GBR) & Capitale 6 – 0 / 0 – 38.337
2) Mariano Maggi (SWE) & Quantico 23 – 0 / 0 – 39.095
3) Jamie Gornall (GBR) & Concord Blue – 0 / 0 – 40.287
Source: Press Release from Major League Show Jumping
Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Photo
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