Jacqueline Steffens and Cat Ninja in their winning presentation with Alexandra Vlad and Isaac Levy, owner of Yvel Jewelry. Photo © Atalya Boytner / MLSJ.
Press release from Major League Show Jumping
Canada's Jacqueline Steffens is in the fortunate position to have two horses that hold special places in her string. After pointing Freaky at the MLSJ Team Competition on Friday evening, she came out in a winning way on Saturday riding Cat Ninja, a 14-year-old KWPN mare (VDL Zirocco Blue x Corland) owned by Eye Candy Jumpers.
More than a second ahead of teammate and trainer Paul O'Shea (IRL), Steffens led the victory gallop in the Yvel CSI5* Winning Round ahead of he and Team Eye Candy's Hellcat. Lacey Gilbertson (USA) rounded out the top three riding Damzelle ste Hermelle for owner Seabrook, LLC.
A word from the winner:
"Cat Ninja is such a fighter. She has a massive stride, which I think is one of the things that really helped us today cover that ground quickly. In the first round, I gave her a couple spots that weren’t ideal and she really fought for it. She’s a pleasure to ride. It’s a toss up at the moment between her and freaky as contenders for the team event. They are both really special horses.
The competition has definitely been elevated [at MLSJ] this year. We are delighted to see that for the sport, but it means we also have to step it up!"
~ Jacqueline Steffens (CAN)
Final results: $37,000 Yvel CSI5* Winning Round
1. CAT NINJA: 2008 KWPN mare by VDL Zirocco Blue x Corland
JACQUELINE STEFFENS (CAN), Eye Candy Jumpers: 0/0/46.46
2. HELLCAT: 2011 BWP mare by Cassander van het Bremhof x Conan Z
PAUL O’SHEA (IRL), Team Eye Candy: 0/0/46.87
3. DAMZELLE STE HERMELLE: 2013 SF mare by Uppercut Kervec x Paladin Des Ifs
LACEY GILBERTSON (USA), Seabrook LLC: 0/0/48.70
4. KAMILLA D: 2011 SCSL mare by Kashimir Van Schuttershof x Canturo Bois Margot
NATALIE DEAN (USA), Marigold Sporthorses LLC: 0/0/49.64
5. DICAS: 2009 RHEIN gelding by Diarado x Cassini I
MARGIE ENGLE (USA), Gladewinds Partners, LLC: 0/0/49.78
6. GAZELLE: 2006 BWP mare by Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Indoctro
KENT FARRINGTON (USA), Robin Cleary Parsky: 0/4/48.18
7. BERDIEN: 2011 ZANG mare by Bustique x Querlybet Hero
MOLLY ASHE CAWLEY (USA), Louisburg Farm: 0/4/48.24
8. BULL RUN’S JIREH: 2014 HOLST gelding by Uriko x Colman
KRISTEN VANDERVEEN (USA), Bull Run Jumpers Inc.: 0/4/51.67
9. PAMPERO: 2010 OS gelding by Chacco Blue x Nekton
SANTIAGO LAMBRE (BRA), Mario Onate: 0/12/47.03
10. COSTA DIAM: 2012 SF mare by Componist Champblanc x Allegreto
JORDAN COYLE (IRL), Elan Farm: 0/32/79.22
11. COACHELLA 4: 2012 OS mare by Christian 25 x Last Liberty 2
KARL COOK (USA), Signe Otsby: 1/78.42
12. ITALY HDH: 2013 KWPN gelding by Cream On Top x Numero Uno
CHANDLER MEADOWS, Chandler Meadows: 1/78.83
Then