Wilmington, Ohio, USA – July 16, 2023 – World Equestrian Center – Wilmington played host to a field of 22 elite jumper athletes for the $25,000 Grand Prix of Summer I. A stormy day moved competition indoors to the Standlee Sanctuary arena, though the gloomy weather did not deter Richard Rinehart (USA) as he dominated Saturday’s show jumping competition. The stands were packed, and the crowd roared for Ron Caraway’s Vincent (Van Gogh x Nirande) as he soared over Bobby Murphy’s (USA) tracks to take the win. 

Rinehart, of Rinehart Farm in Westfield, Indiana, continued a Summer I family winning streak by topping both the $7,500 Futures Prix and the $25,000 Grand Prix.

Rinehart applauded his team behind the scenes that contributed to the success, “First I want to say a big thank you to Vincent’s owner Ron Caraway and my whole support team back in the stables. There is a whole lot of work and support that made this all happen today and for that I am super thankful.”

As frequent visitors to the winner’s circle, the track was well suited for the duo as they showcased their consistency and hard work with an effortless first clear round, securing their place in the jump-off.

Rinehart followed Michael Burnett (USA) in the short course who established a quick time to beat. Burnett piloted his own 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding Chagrand (Chacco-Blue x Centogrina) to the most difficult inside turns on the track, setting the pace in 36.805 seconds, ultimately landing them in third place.

Aboard the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Rinehart picked up a gallop and maintained his footspeed throughout the track, blazing through the timers in 34.364 seconds for the victory.

Rinehart spoke about his winning plan, “He jumped nicely the first round. He has gotten more experience and he made some really nice moves to stretch and get us out of a tight spot in to the first one stride. I watched Michael go over the plants through the turn, so I asked Vincent if he wanted to do that, he said no way. So, my plan was to carry a lot of foot speed. I thought there was time to make up going to the last jump, so I was hoping to stay wide in the six and get a good direct line there at the end.”

Kady Abrahamson (USA) of Abrahamson Equestrian LLC in Georgetown, Kentucky, returned as the final entry with her magnificent mare, Any (Aljano x Nina XI). Abrahamson was tidy around the course, mimicking Rinehart’s track. The 15-year-old Holsteiner was characteristically quick and careful, and landed off the final fence in perfect form with her ears pricked in 35.302 seconds, to secure the red ribbon.

Final Results – $25,000 Grand Prix

1) Richard Rinehart (USA) & Vincent, Ron Caraway – 0 – 34.364

2) Kady Abrahamson (USA) & Any, Abrahamson Equestrian LLC – 0 – 35.302

3) Michael Burnett (USA) & Chagrand, Michael Burnett – 0 – 36.805

4) Kalvin Dobbs (USA) & Callagan, Treesdale Farms – 0 – 39.553

5) Harriet McCord () & Faberlina, Sweet Oak Farm – 0 – 39.984

6) Patricio Rodriguez (URU) & Corvet Enigma, Patricio Rodriguez LLC – 0 – 40.398

7) Chandler Meadows (USA) & Casiano, Chandler Meadows – 0 – 42.17

8) Garrett Warner (USA) & Nambino VD Guldennagel Z, Shadow Creek NY LLC – 4 – 71.044

9) Adrian Jones (USA) & Pop-Up De Tamise, Adrian Jones – 4 – 71.51

10) Izzy Beisel (USA) & Vegas H, David Beisel – 4 – 72.342

Source: Press Release from WEC – World Equestrian Center

Photos: © Winslow Photography

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