Wellington, Florida, USA – March 10, 2022 – The International Arena was buzzing this morning with 73 entries for the $37,000 Corro 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 2*. Carly Anthony (USA) and Jet Blue led the way from start to finish to don the winning blue ribbon sash.

Anthony was the pathfinder with Jet Blue and was first to produce a clear effort across the track set by Alan Wade (IRL). Competitors were ready for the challenge today with 21 pairs advancing to the jump-off. Three riders withdrew, leaving 18 to tackle the short course. Anthony and Jet Blue continued to set the standard, crossing the timers in 34.17 seconds.

“First is always a fun predicament to be in, but I’ve been first with him a few times before in some grands prix, and it’s actually worked out well, so I wasn’t too worried about it today,” said Anthony.

She continued, “Since I went first it was really hard to say exactly how the course would ride. I thought the first half of the course had a lot of rollbacks and short turns, so it didn’t really naturally get you off on a good rhythm. I really focused on starting off with a good pace and to get going, because once that happens the rest usually takes care of itself.”

Jet Blue is owned by Robin Parsky’s Portfolio Horses LLC and was previously ridden by McLain Ward (USA). Anthony took over the ride on the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by VDL Zirocco Blue about two years ago. Since then, the two have built up a strong partnership, including Anthony’s first nations cup appearance in the CSIO 3* Nations Cup at the Sunshine Tour show in Vejer de La Frontera, Spain.

“We’ve done a lot of awesome things together. He’s been a lot of firsts for me, and we have a great relationship. I love him with all of my heart,” Anthony expressed.

During WEF 7, Anthony and Jet Blue posted a clear first round in the $37,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier, but they suffered rails down in the jump-off. This class was a different story.

“[Week 7], we were trying to go fast in the jump off and had a bit of homework to do,” explained Anthony. “We went home and practiced, and today the goal was to come out and show what we’ve been working on. He exceeded all expectations today. He was phenomenal.”

When asked what the upcoming plan was, Anthony was straight to the point.

“To keep winning!” she laughed. “We will aim for the four-star week 11, and then we’ll see where the summer takes us. I’m just trying for consistent clear rounds, and quick, consistent results. It’s not every day you get to go in and win. It’s a lot of ups and downs, and the process is the most rewarding part of it. When it pays off with a day like today, it makes it even more exciting and more enjoyable.”

Zayna Rizvi (USA) aboard Peacock Ridge’s Excellent was the only rider in the jump-off to catch Anthony’s time, but a rail had them finish in ninth place.

Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) finished in second place in 34.56 seconds with Wonder If, owned by Gochman Ventures LLC.

Tom Wachman (IRL) and Coolmore Show Jumping’s Urvoso du Roch completed the awards presentation after their jump-off time of 35.81 seconds slotted them into third place.

Final Results – $37,000 Corro CSI 2*

1) Carly Anthony (USA) & Jet Blue – 0 / 0 – 34.17

2) Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) & Wonder If – 0 / 0 – 34.56

3) Tom Wachman (IRL) & Urvoso du Roch  – 0 / 0 – 35.81

Source: Press Release by Summer Grace and Amanda Picciotto Feitosa / Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions / WEF – Winter Equestrian Festival

Photos: © Sportfot

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