Out of 42 entries competing over a course set by Alan Wade of Ireland, 16 were clear to contest the jump-off. Riding out of the second position in the jump-off order, Olympic team gold medalist Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl put in a blazing fast time of 33.36 seconds that couldn’t be caught. There were seven double clear rounds in the class.
McLain Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl. Photo © Sportfot
Coming closest was William Whitaker (GBR) on RMF Echo, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm LLC. They were clear in 34.51 seconds. Third place went to Erynn Ballard on Ilan Ferder’s Ceitasi, who had a time of 34.89 seconds.
“The jump-off was actually set up pretty nice for her; it was a good track for her strength,” said Ward of the 11-year-old KWPN mare by Vingino x Celano. “She was great. She jumped a nice first round. On Thursday, it was not the round we wanted in the WEF [Challenge Cup], but she came back really strongly today. In a jump-off like that with a large number and very fast ones and very good prize money, everyone is trying hard. It doesn’t matter if you go first or last, you have to try and do the best round you can.”
“This is her fourth week of competition this circuit, and we’ve had the program we planned,” he continued. “She’s actually been very consistent and a little bit unlucky. It was great to have it all come together nicely today. She’s a very good jumper, a very careful horse. We’ve been lucky to have some great results and nice wins on her. She’s been a very good grand prix horse.”
Along with her 1.50m win, HH Gigi’s Girl was named the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award winner, presented by Laura Fetterman.
Baylee McKeever piloted HH Gigi’s Girl for the winning presentation with Laura Fetterman of Champion Equine Insurance and Laura Southard of CaptiveOne Advisors, along with ringmaster Steve Rector.
Final Results: $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic
1 HH GIGI’S GIRL: 2008 KWPN mare by Vingino x Celano
MCLAIN WARD (USA), Double H Farm: 0/0/33.36
2 RMF ECHO: 2004 BWP gelding by Virus de Laubry x Feo
WILLIAM WHITAKER (GBR), Rushy Marsh Farm LLC: 0/0/34.51
3 CEITASI: 2010 Westphalian mare by Caretello B x Cavalier
ERYNN BALLARD (CAN), Ilan Ferder: 0/0/34.89
4 H5 JUST THE MUSIC: 2009 BWP gelding by Tornedo FCS x Quidam de Revel
CARLOS HANK GUERREIRO (MEX), H5 Stables: 0/0/35.20
5 FINALLY Z: 2010 Zangersheide mare by Figaro C x Darco
PETRONELLA ANDERSSON (SWE), Stephex Stables: 0/0/35.20
6 BRIGHTON: 2006 KWPN gelding by Contendro II x Quick Star TIFFANY FOSTER (CAN), Artisan Farms LLC: 0/0/36.36
7 SKYHORSE: 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Calvaro x Quidam de Revel
lLILLIE KEENAN (USA), Chansonette Farm LLC: 0/0/36.52
8 CHARMEUR: 2007 KWPN gelding by Numero Uno x Gelha’s VDL Emilion
SERGIO ALVAREZ MOYA (ESP), Alvarez Moya Horse SL: 0/4/33.19
9 KAREL VDB: 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Darco x Corland
MARTIN FUCHS (SUI), SPCS: 0/4/33.63
10 CASALL: 2005 Holsteiner gelding by Casall ASK x Capitol I ALI WOLFF (USA), Blacklick Bend Farm: 0/4/34.65
11 CHACANNO: 2007 Oldenburg gelding by Chacco-Blue x Kannan
RODRIGO LAMBRE (BRA), Mario Onate: Â 0/4/36.16
12 SUPER CHILLED: 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Gelvin Clover KEVIN BABINGTON (IRL), Debra Wycoff: 0/4/37.73