Jessica Mendoza Wins $50K 1.45m FEI Grand Prix at Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Columbus International I CSI2*

Jessica Mendoza rode Dublin to victory in the $50,000 1.45m FEI Grand Prix to culminate the first of two weeks of competition at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s (SRJT) Columbus Internanational CSI2*.

Operating under COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s (SRJT) Columbus International I CSI2* was held at the Brave Horse Equestrian Center. Running with approvals from the State of Ohio, FEI and USEF, action will continue at the same site with the Columbus International II CSI2*.

Jessica Mendoza on Dublin. Photo by Winslow Photography LLC.

Out of a starting field of 59 horses, Mendoza was one of eight to reach the tiebreaking jump-off by riding without penalty over the 16-jump, first-round course designed by Anderson Lima of Brazil. Eight entries then turned in another clean round over the eight-jump, jump-off course with Mendoza claiming the win with the fastest time of 42.080 seconds. Placing second was Ali Wolff with zero faults in 43.510 seconds on Footloose HX with third going to Michael Dean Burnett who finished with zero faults in 45.730 seconds on Chagrand.

Left to right: SRJT Founder and CEO Derek Braun, Ali Wolff, Jessica Mendoza, and Michael Dean Burnett. Photo by Winslow Photography LLC. 

Following the Grand Prix, Mendoza was also named winner of the Restylane® Leading Rider Award. Continuing a Split Rock Jumping Tour tradition, $1,000 was awarded to Izzy Beisel as winner of the Horseflight Fist Pump Award.

Izzy Beisel. Photo by Winslow Photography LLC.

Sunday’s schedule also featured the $15,000 Vitalize 1.30m Prix Jr./Amateur/Pro which was won by Rowan Willis on Wellington Grandorie.

The Columbus International I CSI2* featured a full schedule of show jumping classes ranging in height from .85m to 1.45m with classes for juniors, amateurs and top professionals. The schedule included three FEI classes. “This was a great week of horse show competition and I thank everyone for their continued support,” said Split Rock Jumping Tour Founder and CEO Derek Braun. “We look forward to another great week here starting on Wednesday.”

Following this week’s Columbus International II CSI2*, the 2020 Split Rock Jumping Tour schedule will conclude November 4-8 with the Aiken International CSI2* at the Aiken Horse Park in Aiken, SC.

About Split Rock Jumping Tour

Now in its sixth year, the SRJT has been revolutionizing the way the sport of show jumping is presented in the U.S. and has been creating a truly “unparalleled show jumping experience” for competitors, sponsors and spectators alike. Competing in the SRJT is unlike any other American horse show experience. SRJT competitions offer top prize money, extravagant awards, special entry packages, and numerous first-class amenities not typically found at any other horse show. In 2020, SRJT has adopted Green is the New Blue operating standards to prioritize green practices at all Split Rock Jumping Tour events. For more information about SRJT, click here.