Edited Press Release
San Juan Capistrano, CA – September 24, 2022 – Joie Gatlin rode Uccello de Will to victory in the $50,000 Blenheim International Jumping Festival 1.50m Grand Prix on Saturday, September 24, marking an exciting finale to 2022 grand prix competition at The Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Renowned course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio set a challenging track in the Oaks International Grand Prix Field for the featured class, and ultimately, only three entries from the 13-horse starting field successfully navigated it without fault. The tough questions then continued in the jump-off.
Ireland’s Mark Kinsella was the first to return aboard Quality H, but a runout at the final fence would leave him with four jumping and four time faults for the eventual third place finish on eight faults in a time of 55.296 seconds. Tina Yates and Ivaludine S were the next to return, and as two rails fell for a final score of eight faults in 39.885 seconds, they left the door open for Gatlin.
With a refusal early on in the short course, the crowd at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park was on the edge of their seat to see if Gatlin would still be able to get the win. As she and Uccello de Will crossed the final sunflower oxer without further fault, she successfully secured the victory with four faults in a time of 47.962 seconds.
“It’s always nice to jump Anthony’s courses,” said Gatlin. “He makes you ride better. He makes you think. He makes the horses have to be rideable, and he makes you have to step up.”
Gatlin has been partnered with her winning mount, Uccello de Will, since January when she acquired the ride on the 14-year-old gelding for owner Darragh Kenny of Oakland Ventures LLC.
“Uccello has probably been around the world more than I have,” said Gatlin. “He jumped in Europe. He’s jumped at the biggest horse shows, the biggest five stars. I was fortunate enough to get the ride from Darragh Kenny, and he and I have been really hitting it off this year since the summer. He’s a big scopey horse, and he’s got a lot of character which he showed me today. He tries really hard for me. I really love him.”
The win in Saturday’s class came amidst a string of success at Blenheim EquiSports for Gatlin, who also finished first in the $10,000 Markel Insurance 1.35m Speed Stake on September 15 aboard Fiona and first with Koddac van het Indihof in the $5,000 1.40m Jumper Classic held on Thursday, September 22.
“It’s been nice to be on a homefield advantage so to speak!” conclude Gatlin, who hails from Blenheim EquiSports’ hometown of San Juan Capistrano, CA. “Last week was super with the little mare, Fiona, and this week with Koddac van het Indihof in the 1.40m and today with Uccelo was great.”
For full results of the $50,000 Blenheim International Jumping Festival 1.50m Grand Prix, click here.
This Post Brought to You by: American Stalls
Designed for Horse People
by Horse People.
American Stalls began building horse stall equipment in 2006 when HITS Horse Shows approached our family’s steel business to build 1,500 horse stalls for its Saugerties location. Ever since, we have worked on thousands of commercial and private equine facilities across North America. Horse stalls, barn doors, and flooring are large investments that you will make toward your horses’ safety and facility longevity. This is why we design and build equipment that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
When you work with our team, we will work to understand your needs as the horse owner, your facility’s environment, and your horses’ needs. We will then recommend options that are best suited for your project. In addition to clients, we strive to provide architects, builders, and designers with the knowledge, technical drawings, and customer service needed to ensure success for your project. Our mission is to build the most elegant and safe equine products while delivering world class customer service. Our equipment is designed for horse people by horse people.
