Press release from Equestrian Sport Productions written by Summer Grace for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

The start list of 72 entries was full of top horses and riders, which showed when 19 advanced to the jump-off of the $36,000 Puissance America 1.45m Classic CSI2*. Eighteen chose to return to contest the jump-off.

The early leader was Fabio Leivas Da Costa (BRA) on Bonne Chance Farm’s Randon Pleasure. They set the first time to beat as the pathfinders in the ring in 39.12 seconds. Da Costa’s time held until Lacey Gilbertson (USA) and Seabrook LLC’s Baloppi entered the ring. They lowered the time to 38.65 seconds, which would hold up for second place.

One of the fastest pairs on the circuit, Laura Chapot (USA) and Chandon Blue, were the ones who were able to post the winning time of 37.03 seconds. They were able to take advantage of Chandon Blue’s large stride to leave out strides in two lines and take their fourth win of the circuit.

“The first horse was incredibly fast, but it didn‘t have quite as much stride as my horse. That’s where I thought maybe I could have an advantage,” said Chapot. “I felt like if I hit the second fence right, I could leave out a stride over him there. My horse was just really on his game for the jump-off. I thought he made a really good turn to the fourth jump. I settled him a bit to the in-and-out and that’s the only place I maybe let him take a breath. We left out a stride again to the last fence. My horse is naturally quick, and with that one less stride in both places, I think that’s where I had the edge over the second and third places.”

Chapot has ridden Chandon Blue, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Chacco-Blue, since January 2018 and said he is one that is “easygoing and playful” and “enjoys a lot of attention.”

That easygoing personality is what makes him an easy keeper when he’s not in the show ring. This was Chandon Blue’s 13th class at the 2019 WEF (and his ninth top-three finish) and since he’s very fit from competing, Chapot likes to keep him feeling fresh.

“I don’t have to do a whole lot with him between shows,” she confirmed. “On his weeks off, I just try to keep him settled, quiet, and relaxed. He’s actually pretty relaxed when he flats anyway. He’s a horse who knows when it counts, when we’re horse showing or when we’re just trotting around the ring. Today he was bucking after the jump in the schooling area and yesterday he would just trot around on a loose rein in the exercise ring.”

Chapot and Chandon Blue will contest Sunday’s $50,000 Puissance America Grand Prix CSI 2* as their final event of the season.