Lexington, Kentucky, United States – May 07, 2025 – It was all about speed to kick off the first day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show on Wednesday afternoon. Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Naomi Van Het Keizershof galloped to the top of the leaderboard to nab the victory in the $35,000 Welcome Stake CSI 3* – 1.45m. The second-place prize went to Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) with Chacco Bumpy, while Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and Tashita rounded out the top three.

“She’s the best – I’m so excited,” expressed Springsteen after her win. “She had such a great season in Wellington, and then she had about six weeks off, so to pick back up today with the win – she really didn’t miss a beat, and she feels amazing! I’m excited to show her again tomorrow night.”

Biraben set the original time to beat early on for the first major event of the week after he cleared the track 66.25 seconds aboard Chacco Bumpy.

Springsteen entered the ring several rounds later with Naomi van het Keizershof, and left nothing to chance with tight turns and a fast gallop that had them breaking the beam in 65.93 seconds to go to the top of the leaderboard.

Larrazabal made a swift attempt to take over the top spot with Tashita but fell just shy of the leaders with a faultless time of 66.66 seconds to place third.

“She’s so naturally fast, so I thought to just stay as neat as possible,” explained Springsteen. “I did the eight to the double verticals. I wanted to take a little more time there, but I feel like I had some really neat rollback turns and she’s just so naturally quick.”

Springsteen was thrilled to return to the Kentucky Horse Park on her way home from Florida. “I hadn’t been here in so long,” Springsteen concluded. “It’s so beautiful here. The horses love it – there are so many gorgeous places to ride, and they’re always so happy here.”

Final Results – $35,000 Welcome Stake CSI 3* – 1.45m

1) Jessica Springsteen (USA) & Naomi Van Het Keizershof – 0 – 65.93

2) Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) & Chacco Bumpy – 0 – 66.25

3) Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Tashita – 0 – 66.66

Source: Press Release from Kentucky Horse Shows

Photo: © Kentucky Horse Shows / Winslow Photography

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