Edited Press Release
The Lugano Diamonds Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) closed out its first week of West Coast competition on Sunday with its feature event, the $75,000 Lugano Diamonds National Grand Prix, for the first week of the Split Rock Portland series at Hidden Creek Horse Park. A clear effort was hard to come by, but Karrie Rufer (USA) claimed two of those three rounds and the only double-clear finishes to take the top two spots on the podium, earning the win with Stern dei Folletti (Toulon x Berlin) and second place aboard Mr. Europe (Mr Blue x San Patrignano Cassini), both owned by Morning Star Sporthorses LLC.
The 1.45m track created by well-known designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, featured a double (vertical-oxer) and triple combination, catching many horse-and-rider pairs with a delicate vertical that came a tight five strides after a wide oxer. Only three combinations would advance to the second round where Rufer held favorable odds with two mounts in the last two positions.
Johanna Siefert (USA) paved the way with her own and Jill Davidson’s Kactus. Knowing she had to put the pressure on she delivered a swift pace of 40.81 seconds, however it would come at the cost of two rails, leaving the door open for Rufer. Stern dei Folletti was first to challenge and did so with ease as the 12-year-old gelding clocked in a clear jump-off time of 42.286 seconds to take the lead. Mr. Europe followed, also securing a nice double-clear just off the pace in 43.326 seconds to land Rufer into the top two podium placings. Johanna Siefert would join Rufer on the podium, taking third place honors.
Competition will continue for the Split Rock Portland 2, highlighting more hunter, jumper and equitation competition throughout the week. Hunter competition will once again offer the $2,500 HydroTemp USHJA National Hunter Derby as well as a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The series will host a $15,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Regional Grand Prix on Friday, August 11, and conclude with another $75,000 Lugano Diamonds National Grand Prix on Sunday, August 13.
Original press release courtesy of Split Rock Jumping Tour.
