Week VI wrapped up the jumper competition on a good note for Liz Atkins Benchmark Stables, LLC’s Rodeo VDL when they galloped to the win in the $7,500 Welcome, besting a field of ten horse and riders.
Liz Atkins and Rodeo VDL on their way to the win in the $7,500 Welcome. Photo by Alison Hartwell Photography
Atkins was the only rider to pilot three mounts to a second round opportunity where the time allowed was set at 43 seconds.
Her first ride, her own Good Vision went clear in a time of 33.710 seconds and set the pace. She beat that time with her next ride, Benchmark Stables’ Undine in a time of 32.864 seconds. Her final ride, Benchmark Stables, LLC’s Rodeo VDL cleared the timers in 31.964 seconds and took the class, leaving her with a trifecta win with Undine in second place and Good Vision in third. She also rode Benchmark Stables’ to a fourth place finish for their fault free first round in a time of 78.090 seconds.
Fifth place was awarded to Christina Fisher of Alpharetta, Georgia and her own Conero. The pair earned one time fault in their otherwise clear first round in a time of 83.326 seconds. Happy Comly and Comly Sport Horses’ Clock-Wise CSH took home sixth place for their four fault first round effort in a time of 77.134 seconds.
Gulf Coast Classic Company President Bob Bell and Awards Coordinator Drew Coster greet Liz Atkins and Rodeo VDL in the winner’s circle. Photo by Alison Hartwell Photography
Fellow Texan, Dallas’ Gabby Walley and her own FM Jaguar earned a seventh place ribbon for their four fault first round in at time of 78.188 seconds. Comly returned for an eighth place ribbon with her own A & B Balthazar for their four fault first round effort in a time of 79.251 seconds and Isabella Bleu Baxter of Wright City, Missouri wrapped up the class with a ninth place finish in the irons of her own Jahil after posting a first round effort in a time of 86.249 which earned them four time faults.