Karl Cook and Caracole de La Roque. Photo © Winslow Photography LLC.
Press release from Split Rock Jumping Tour
Week one of the Split Rock Hunter Jumper series returned to the Walnut Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park for more thrilling FEI competition at the CSI2* level on Friday afternoon. The highlight class of the day was the $38,700 C. Jarvis Insurance 1.45m Welcome, where the newly-formed partnership of Karl Cook (USA) and the well-decorated Caracole de La Roque (Zandor Z x Kannan), owned by Signe Ostby topped the podium.
The first round of competition saw 16 jumping efforts in a track set by Anderson Lima (BRA), which included a number of new fences on course, with just seven finding their way to a fault-free round.
The initial pathfinders of round one, Stephen Moore (IRL) and Vlock Show Stables’ Albert K, were also the first pair to give a double-clear finish with a fast time of 36.61 seconds and held the lead until the second to last combination. Chasing Moore’s time, Cook gave it his all aboard Caracole de La Roque in their debut FEI competition together. Cook utilized the 11-year-old’s natural footspeed, crafting neat turns to cross the timers in a blazing 32.88 seconds, shaving off nearly four seconds. As last to go, Audrey Schulze (USA) and Darquito gave it their best shot trying to catch Cook’s time, ultimately clocking in at 34.35 seconds to capture second place moving Moore into third.
From left to right, Stephen Moore, Karl Cook, Audrey Schulze and Derek Braun. Photo © Winslow Photography LLC.
Speaking of the jump-off round, Cook commented, “It actually feels slow when you're in the jump-off because she's so comfortable at that speed and so comfortable turning and jumping out of that canter. It doesn't feel like you're rushing.”
“I've been coming to Split Rock shows since 2017, and there's an attention to detail and a commitment to quality for the horses and the riders. From the stabling to the footing to the jump materials to the course builders that are chosen to the stewards that are chosen. It’s a good show – a good show to develop horses, a good show to compete with horses and it's just always a good time to be here.”
Competition for CSI2* competitors will continue through the weekend, highlighted by the the $100,000 Lugano Diamonds 1.45m Grand Prix CSI2*, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, on Sunday June 11th.
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