Sonoma, California, USA – September 10, 2021 – The Sonoma International returned for its fourth year to the scenic Sonoma Horse Park featuring a week of CSI2* competition. Friday was highlighted by the $37,000 Restylane 1.45m FEI Welcome where Olaf Petersen Jr’s (GER) 16-effort course entertained a total of 44 starters from six different nations, but it was ultimately Karrie Rufer (USA) and her own Stern dei Folletti who claimed victory.
The American and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Toulon x Caspar) were supreme by clearing all the obstacles and completing the only penalty-free performance of the 1.45m challenge, crossing the finish line in 80.800 seconds.
Stern dei Folletti (Toulon x Caspar) is no stranger to the podium at the Sonoma International, finishing third in Thursday’s $10,000 1.40m Speed CSI 2* with Rufer in addition to winning the 2020 $50,000 Restylane Grand Prix with previous rider, Mark Kinsella (IRL).
“I’m naturally a very competitive person, but it definitely helps that there’s an atmosphere [at Split Rock shows] and usually a lot of friends or family are here as well so that helps me get even more competitive,” Rufer commented of her home venue.
Rufer also claimed second place on the podium aboard her longtime partner, Georgie D’Auvray EC, with only one time penalty as a results of their completion of the course in 82.010 seconds.
Despite setting the faster than the eventual winners Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and Ilan finished in third, tripping the final timers in 78.600 seconds.
Competition at the Sonoma International CSI 2* will continue through the weekend, highlighted by the $20,000 Restylane National Prix on Saturday, with the $5,000 Animo Youngster Bowl and the $100,000 1.45m Grand Prix CSI 2* culminating the Sonoma stop on Sunday.
Final Results – $37,000 Restylane Welcome CSI 2*
1) Karrie Rufer (USA) & Stern Dei Folletti – 0 / 80.800
2) Karrie Rufer (USA) & Georgie D’auvray Ec – 1 / 82.010
3) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Ilan – 4 / 78.600
Source: Press Release by Marty Bauman / Classic Communications for the Split Rock Jumping Tour
Photos: © Winslow Photography
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