Lexington, KY – July 31, 2022 – The famed Rolex Stadium welcomed junior and amateur show jumping competitors Sunday afternoon to contest the High Junior/Amateur 1.45m Jumper Classic. A total of six talented horse-and-athlete combinations vied for a spot on the leaderboard, with only three advancing to an immediate jump-off. In the end, it was Lacey Gilbertson aboard Baloppi who emerged victorious.
Manuel Esparza (MEX) challenged the group of athletes with a tactful 15-fence track that utilized the ample space available in the Rolex Stadium. Confident in her 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare’s talent and experience, Gilbertson entered the arena focused on the win. With the quickest no-fault time, Gilbertson and Baloppi left all the rails intact with a time of 33.752 seconds, enough to earn them the first place honors.
Posting a fault free jump-off round to take second place was Danielle Torano aboard her own 12-year-old Warmblood mare, Feromoon G. The pair gave it their all, attempting to move themselves into the top spot. However, they were not quite quick enough to do so, notching 34.744 seconds on the clock, securing them the second place position.
Rounding out the podium was Ellie Dupuis aboard her own, Up Des Chaines. Dupuis and the 14-year-old returned for the jump-off, hoping to dethrone the leader. Putting the pedal to the floor and giving it their all, the duo was quick but had an unfortunate rail resulting in a 4-fault time of 33.920 seconds, settling them into the third place spot on the leaderboard.
The Kentucky Summer Series will continue on Tuesday, August 2, featuring the High Schooling at 9AM and the $5,000 Open 1.40m Jumper closing out competition in the Rolex Stadium.
RESULTS
High Junior/Amateur 1.45m Jumper Classic
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner / R1 Faults | Time / R2 Faults | Time
1. Baloppi / Lacey Gilbertson / 0 | 77.360 / 0 | 33.752
2. Feromoon G / Danielle Torano / Danielle Torano / 0 | 81.256 / 0 | 34.744
3. Up Des Chaines / Ellie Dupuis / Ellie Dupuis / 0 | 80.798 / 4 | 33.920
4. Belle Z / Angela Swanson / AE Swanson Farms LLC / 4 | 77.858
5. Sambuka De Lurberri / Teri Kessler / 4 | 78.143
6. Jolene AK / Anna Beth Athey / 8 | 83.043