Santa Anita CSI5*-W Friday Highlights
ERYNN BALLARD (CAN) PILOTED HER GAME BALL BG TO THE TOP OF THE PODIUM IN THE $35,000 CSI5*-W 1.45M SPEED CHALLENGE WITH A BLAZING TIME OF 58.930
JAMES CHAWKE (IRL) AND DAIDO VAN’T RUYTERSHOF Z CROSSED THE TIMERS IN 59.46 FOR A SECOND PLACE FINISH, AND EUROPE’S REIGNING CHAMPION, RICHARD VOGEL (GER) AND CON QUALITY, CAME HOME IN THIRD WITH A TIME OF 60.26
“Her Game Ball (BG) has been a new addition to my string since June of this year. It was an instant partnership. She’s super special; all she does is win,” said Erynn Ballard. “She’s boosted my rankings with her placings all summer. It’s a fun, competitive horse, great owners with Mary France Looke and her mom. When you’re riding for people that really support you, it makes it even more fun. I love the show; it has a Canadian vibe with Nikki Walker [Vice President, The Stronach Group and professional equestrian] being such a major part of it. Derek (Braun) and Split Rock always put on a great show, and we are happy to support it. Knowing that the Olympics are going to be here, there isn’t a better place to be.”
(L-R James Chawke (IRL), Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Richard Vogel (GER)
PC: Winslow Photography
DELLA WHITE (USA) AND GUCCI LED THE FIELD OF 63 HORSE & RIDERS, AND TOPPED 15 THAT RETURNED FOR THE WINNING ROUND TO TAKE FIRST PLACE WITH A TME OF 31.967 IN $25,000 1.40M NATIONAL WELCOME PRIX
USA SWEEPS THE PODIUM WITH NATALIE DEAN ABOARD
MR BOOMBASTIC (32.108) AND KAITLIN CAMPBELL ON COLORADO M (32.296) CAPTURING SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES
“I was super nervous coming in, because obviously it was against some of best riders here. My goal was always to go fast, and I had a super smooth round. Gucci is truly a unicorn – she’s the best horse ever and she tries her heart out every time,” enthused Della White. “I love that Split Rock makes every class so special, especially with the victory gallops, and they do an amazing job, especially here at Santa Anita.”
Stay tuned for Saturday’s marquis event updates including from the headline $400,000 CSI5*-W 1.60M Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Los Angeles.
To purchase tickets:
o SANTA ANITA CSI5*-W (November 19 – 23) – GET TICKETS
Equestrian & Entertainment at its Finest!
Lifestyle experiences, live music, and an immersive celebration of equestrian sport will blend athletic excellence with Los Angeles’ distinctive cultural and luxury scene. VIP guests will be treated to exclusive activations from The h.wood Group’s LA hotspot concept, Delilah, and to a gourmet brunch on Sunday, November 23 featuring Saint Enzo and the $50,000 1.45m Saint Enzo National Grand Prix. During the Santa Anita CSI5*-W week, the official after-party spot, B’s Saloon, will feature The Compton Cowboys on Friday and Desert 5 Spot on Saturday.