Press release from Split Rock Jumping Tour, edited by World of Showjumping

1/ST, the innovative brand redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and equestrian sport, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences, in partnership with the prestigious Split Rock Jumping Tour, delivers another stellar night of show jumping with the $100,000 CSI5*-W 1.50m Welcome. 

Despite the uncharacteristic SoCal weather, the footing rode perfectly, and 58 riders contested another difficult test from course designer Anderson Lima. Poles dropped all around the course, but ultimately, 10 horse rider combinations jumped a penalty-free first round. 

2020 Tokyo Olympics team bronze medalist Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and his grey mare Argentina de la Marchette (Acajou de la Marchette x Del Piero PB) entered the ring first tonight and set the tone for how to ride a flawless, fault-free first round. Nine other riders advanced to the jump-off round, including McLain Ward (USA), Karl Cook (USA), Laura Kraut (USA), Nina Mallevaey (FRA), and Michael Duffy (IRL).

Wathelet had the same plan returning for the jump-off, navigating a smooth, clear shortened course in a time of 36.59 and taking home the win. Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie de Beaufour (Diamant de Semilly x Cassini II) took home second place honors in a time of 37.08, and Ireland’s Michael Duffy aboard Be Sky Hawk (Golden Hawk x Harlequin du Carel) tripped the timers in 37.13 for a third-place finish. 

“It was a very good win. She has had many good results over the last month. It was a little delicate being first to go and when I walked the course and it looked tough to me. Once I was clear, I knew we had a pretty good chance, she’s pretty fast,” said Wathelet. “It (Santa Anita CSI5*-W) is a really great show, and well organized. And we all know it’s going to be the Olympics in a few years. I hope I can be part of it.” 

40 riders from Thursday’s 1.50m Welcome class advance to Saturday night’s feature class, the $400,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Los Angeles. Karl Cook will be looking to defend his 2024 title with Caracole de La Roque (Zandor Z x Kannan).