Press release from Split Rock Jumping Tour

Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) kicked off the new year with a new location, making its Florida debut at TerraNova Equestrian Center for the Split Rock Sarasota CSI2*. Thursday’s events were highlighted by the $37,000 1.45m FEI Welcome and it was a win for Great Britain as Jessica Mendoza returned to the winner’s circle with Windsor Farms’ Dublin (Cobra 18 x Calido 1), after besting a four horse jump-off.

Designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER), the course challenged athletes representing eleven nations to a 16-effort track that included a triple combination (vertical-oxer-vertical) and a triple bar to a vertical. Four combinations returned in the jump-off portion of competition, with Mendoza contesting aboard both of her mounts, Dublin and Casanova 499. She was first to set the second-round pace with Dublin, producing a quick clear finish in 40 seconds flat. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) put in a competitive time of 40.19, but acquired four faults with Hernando and Ana Holguin’s Calle Quinn. Mark Bluman followed aboard Over the Top Stables’ Marilyn but also couldn’t match the clear effort, finishing in 41.85 on eight faults. With the victory already secured, Mendoza was last to challenge with Casanova 499, owned by Carly Day, putting in a smooth clear to also capture second place.

“[Dublin and Casanova 499] were both amazing – I didn’t quite expect to be first and second when I woke up today but couldn’t have asked for a better result from them both,” said Mendoza. No stranger to the top of the SRJT podium, she continued, “I think my horse Dublin loves the courses built, the type of the arenas, and the great competition [at Split Rock].” 

Competition will continue throughout the week at TerraNova Equestrian Center with the feature of the week taking place on Saturday, January 29, the $100,000 1.45m Grand Prix CSI2*. For more information on the remainder of the 2022 Split Rock Jumping Tour, which features a number of new and exciting stops, visit our website here.