Press release from Split Rock Jumping Tour

The main occasion of Split Rock Aiken CSI2* took place on Saturday, November 12, featuring the $100,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI2*. Spectators were welcomed to the facility at Bruce’s Field to watch world-class show jumping action through the afternoon. After a thrilling jump-off that saw a battle from start to finish, it was Charlotte Jacobs (USA) and North Star’s Rincoola Milsean (Aldatus Z x Cruising) who were yet again crowned the winners.

The feature competition saw 48 entries over Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) 16-effort 1.45m track that showcased the SRJT wall, the Dalman Jump Co. triple bar and a tricky final line with the Lugano Diamonds oxer to a vertical-vertical combination. Twelve pairs ultimately emerged fault-free to force a quick and competitive jump-off.

The second round engaged the crowd, asking riders to put in a long gallop to the final oxer for a chance at the podium. Michelle Braun (USA) was the first to produce a double-clear finish aboard Split Rock Farm's Quinn, setting a conservative pace in 42.79 seconds. Aaron Vale (USA) followed with Cristo Beech, demonstrating that several seconds could be shaved as he clocked in at 37.99 seconds. However, heartbreak at the final fence would slate him behind Braun and leave the door open for the athletes that followed. Jacobs entered soon after, already established as a tough competitor on her winning mount from Thursday's Welcome. The pair would prove fastest of all, clinching the coveted clear round in 37.81 seconds.

With many combinations falling victim to rails in the jump-off, Victoria Heurtematte (PAN) produced a swift clear in 40.53 seconds that would position her just behind Jacobs, until Samuel Parot (CHI) entered riding Buga Z. He gave a valiant effort, but was unable to match Jacobs' tight turns and quick speed as his time of 38.53 seconds would ultimately earn him second place on the podium pushing Heurtematte into third.

"My horses have had an incredible season and [Rincoola Milsean] has been clear in 8 out of 9 ranking classes, so he was due for the win," Jacobs said of the 9-year-old gelding's first grand prix win. "It felt incredible to do that on Thursday [in the Welcome] and doing it again today was the cherry on top. He is an unbelievable horse and I can’t say enough good things about him. He is just so fast and loves what he does."

Competition in Aiken will close on Sunday, November 13 after featuring the $20,000 Sharer Dale Team Equestrian Realtors National Grand Prix. Up next, the Lugano Diamonds Split Rock Jumping Tour will return to Texas for the second year in a row to host the Split Rock Fort Worth CSI4*-W, an event unlike any other.