Del Mar, California – August 28, 2026 – With the Hits Del Mar Summer Classic II coming to its finale at the Hits Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California, the venue’s iconic Grand Prix Grass Field set the stage for the concluding chapter of international show jumping on Saturday, in the $90,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar CSI 2*, presented by Purina Animal Nutrition. The class represents the culmination of an exciting 2026 season at the world-class facility, which has featured seven amazing weeks of competition, capped off with two weeks highlighted by a CSI2* division. 

The starting lineup featured a diverse international field with athletes representing nine nations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States, who took on the formidable first-round track masterminded by Canadian course designer Meghan Rawlins (CAN). With a demanding time allowed of 84 seconds, riders needed to be mindful of pace to conquer the winding course. The desire to beat the clock left many pushing to the end of the track, even perhaps more than necessary, and many incurred rails at the final few obstacles. Ultimately, only six athletes managed to produce a fault-free ride and advance to the exhilarating jump-off. 

Molly Hutchinson (USA) opened the jump-off aboard Lord Alexander, but faults followed for her and the next three combinations.

With Kaitlin Campbell (ISR) and Cosm Questa vd Heffinck on deck, Friday’s $31,020 FarmVet Winning Round CSI 2*  victors, the glory of back-to-back FEI wins was potentially just moments away. Taking to the turf, Campbell and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Cabrio Z x Cooper vd de Heffinck) owned by Mirasol Equestrian, LLC delivered the necessary clear round to take over the lead and set a new benchmark time of 40.040 seconds. In almost a reverse order to Friday’s Winning Round jump-off, Parada Vallejo, now in the advantageous position of going last, had all eyes on him. 

Piloting Mon Faut-Tren, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding (Comme iL Faut 5 x VDL Cardento 933) owned by Jose Saavedra, Parada Vallejo met the challenge head-on, setting a time of 39.080 seconds on the scoreboard with zero faults, thus claiming the blue-ribbon honors. Campbell had to settle for the reserve spot this time around. 

Natalie Banis (USA) and VDL E-Cecilia, a 14-year-old mare (Lavall 5 x Cassiano 3) owned by Kathyrn Phillips, completed the top three as the fastest four-faulter.

With that, international competition during the 2026 Hits Del Mar Show Series comes to a close. The venue then gives way to dressage before the 2027 Hits Del Mar National Horse Show kicks off the hunter/jumper season anew. Fr complete results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.  

Final Results – $90,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar CSI 2*, presented by Purina Animal Nutrition

1) Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) & Mon Faut-Tren – 0 / 0 – 39.080

2) Kaitlin Campbell (ISR) & Cosm Questa vd Heffinck – 0 / 0 – 40.040

3) Natalie Banis (USA) & VDL E-Cecilia – 0 / 4 – 38.730

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photo: © Hits Horse Shows / McCool Photography

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Link