In an epic jump-off in the $50,000 CSI2* Grand Prix presented by Horseflight, Tiffany Sullivan and Christian Grey claimed victory at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Santa Fe International CSI2* at HIPICO Santa Fe in New Mexico. This was the first Grand Prix win for both Sullivan and the 15-year-old grey gelding.
Tiffany Sullivan and Christian Grey (c) Winslow Photography
Now in its fifth year, the SRJT is renowned for revolutionizing the sport of show jumping in the U.S. and creating an “Unparalleled Show Jumping Experience.” Modeled after successful European shows, the SRJT gives competitors, sponsors and spectators an “Unparalleled Show Jumping Experience” by hosting competitions with world-class venues, top prize money, extravagant awards, special entry packages, and numerous first-class amenities for riders, horses, owners, sponsors, and spectators, with close attention paid to every detail. The SRJT is presenting six FEI shows at five world-class venues as part of its 2019 Tour.
Only six horse-and-rider combinations from the original field of 32 moved forward to the jump-off. The jump-off course, designed by Anderson Lima, once again proved to be technical. Sullivan and Christian Grey were one of only two combinations keep all the rails in the jump-cups and then claimed first place with a time of 41.46 seconds. Adding to the excitement of her first Grand Prix win, Sullivan also tied for first place with Erin Davis-Heineking in the Split Rock “Fist Pump” competition. Davis-Heineking took top honors aboard Quind in the $5,000 1.40m Junior/Amateur Final also sponsored by Horseflight, after posting a double clear round.
“This is the first Grand Prix win for me and the horse (Christian Grey),” said Sullivan. “I have a spectacular horse. I knew he could do it. I want to thank Split Rock and the sponsors for putting on this show. It really was a fabulous experience.”
Finishing in second place was Germany’s Mathis Schwentker and Nkh Carrido with a time of 42.84 seconds. Schwentker, who had a stellar competition winning Friday’s $36,000 CaptiveOne FEI 1.45m Welcome Stake with Nkh Caruso, added another win earlier in the day with his third horse Campina 47 in the $5,000 1.25m Mini Prix after a foot perfect round in the jump-off.
Tiffany Sullivan, Mathis Schwentker, and Will Simpson during the presentation (c) Winslow Photography
Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson made a dash for the podium with Chacco P with a blazing time of 35.88 seconds. Riding 5.58 seconds faster than the leader, Sullivan, it was one unlucky rail for Simpson and Chacco P to leave them in third.