Press release from Major League Show Jumping, edited by World of Showjumping

Brazilian Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa was master of the expansive grass field at Club Hípico La Silla to take victory in Saturday’s CSI5* $750,000 GNP Seguros Grand Prix riding Prins van’t Eigenlo (Vigo d'Arsouilles STX x Zandor Z), owned together with Rio Equestrian, to bring Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) season 5 to a celebratory end during Concurso La Silla in Monterrey, Mexico. Co-headlining the afternoon, world no. 2 Kent Farrington’s podium finish with 9-year-old Descartes SR (Carmelo x Wida Jana) was the result he needed to eclipse Daniel Bluman (ISR) in the overall individual standings and win his second MLSJ title to date.

In an eight-horse jump-off over tracks built by Paris Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA), the list of challengers included five different nations and four Olympians. None, however, could catch Pessoa and his 11-year-old gelding. They stopped the clock in the tiebreaker at 38.63 seconds. USA’s Marilyn Little was the closest contender in 38.76 seconds riding her dependably fast La Contessa (License x Cornet’s Prince).

“The horse was unbelievable today,” said Pessoa, who took over the ride on Prins van’t Eigenlo from France’s Roger Yves Bost last year, and was still looking for their first international win together before Saturday. “I knew there were quick horses in the jump-off, but this track suited me well. The last line with the long gallop allowed me to take advantage of this horse’s massive stride. I’m thrilled with the horse today.”

Pessoa spoke about his expectations with the relatively new partnership, saying, “When we wake up in the morning of a big Grand Prix, we are always hoping to do well. I was confident because he jumped well on Thursday and has been coming along very well. He gave me a fantastic feeling in the first round, and I knew we had to go for it in the jump-off. It’s fantastic to be back here in La Silla—it’s an iconic place in our sport,” Pessoa continued. “The crowd was fantastic today. To jump here is a pleasure, and MLSJ bringing us to places like this has been great for the sport the last few years.”

Little, who finished just off the pace with La Contessa, also jumped into the top three individual standings to finish tied for third with Mark Bluman.

“I haven’t been here in 20 years, and it was great to get out there again,” said Little, who has finished in the top 10 of every MLSJ Grand Prix she has jumped this season. “[La Contessa] jumped great—I knew I had to chase Rodrigo, but I don’t have the stride he does. She popped in an extra stride to one, so we lost some time there, but she was on her toes and made some great turns. It’s amazing to see what she is becoming—such a competitor.”

Of her third-place finish individually for MLSJ season 5, Little laughed, “I looked at the standings this morning and thought I was so far away, there was no way I could move up. Apparently, I’m not that good at math because I ended up here after a good day today.”

Farrington’s Mexican-bred Descartes SR was feeling right at home in Monterrey, finishing third in 39.15 seconds and carrying him to a second MLSJ individual title.

“Descartes is a great talent, and because he jumps the fences so easily, I was able to move him up for a couple of bigger classes despite him being a 9-year-old,” said Farrington. “To win his first five-star [last week in Kentucky] was a bit unexpected, but obviously, we are all thrilled with him. He was bred in Mexico, so coming here and getting another great result in the Grand Prix was exciting, as his breeders were in attendance.”

“Winning the league title for a second time is more a testament to my team of horses and the great people around me,” continued Farrington. “The results are there because of them, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to ride such amazing horses and work with incredible people. I think Major League is continuing to grow and mature, and I’m happy to see it help North American sport attract better attendance from top riders, which, in turn, raises the level of the sport. This is not only great for the current riders, but also the future of the sport in North America, so I’m happy to see that taking shape.”

After not taking to the field to compete in Saturday’s Grand Prix, Daniel Bluman (ISR) dropped into second in the overall standings, with his cousin and fellow Maccabi United gold medalist Mark Bluman (COL) matching Little in third. Canada’s Erynn Ballard capped the top five overall.

Maccabi United sealed their fate as the MLSJ team title holder a day earlier, but with double points still to play for in the Grand Prix, the podium was not yet complete. After their team riders all finished in the top 15, the Trelawny Trailblazers remained in the runner-up position for the season, and the DIHP Roadrunners held on for bronze.