A stunning scene was set below the picturesque mountains of Manchester, Vermont, on July 7, 2024, as the $24,500 CWD Grand Prix, the first grand prix of the six-week HITS Vermont Summer Festival, got underway. The class did not disappoint, signaling a start to what is certainly going to be an exciting series of competition ahead. In the end, it was Grace Debney (GBR) that piloted Jesprit H.S to a speedy victory.
Sixteen elite horse-and-rider combinations took to the Grand Prix Ring to tackle the challenging course set by Marina Azevedo (BRA). A total of six combinations advanced to the shortened course, with four pairs jumping double-clear. Debney laid down an efficient round to finish in a time of 36.909 seconds, almost a full second faster than the second-place finisher.
“I thought the course was built really well,” said Debney. “It asked all the right questions. I think I definitely made up the time in the turns. It wasn’t so much a running jump-off; it was a lot of turning, which really suited my horse.”
Debney purchased Jesprit about a year and a half ago. As they have gotten to know each other, the pair has competed successfully through the five-star 1.50m level. While Jesprit might be a unique character, Debney believes that is exactly what gives her an edge in the ring.
“She’s really special in the head,” laughed Debney of her 10 year-old KWPN mare (Eldorado van de Zeshoek x Carosso VDL). “She’s very mare-ish and has a lot of things that go along with her, but that’s what makes her so special. She’s really smart, and I feel like our partnership has really grown. I don’t think she’ll do it for you unless you have a partnership.”
David Jennings (USA) and Bionce Des Monts, a 13-year old Selle Français gelding (Ravage du Mars x Cenaze Du Hil) owned by Hillview Farm Sporthorses, were early to go in the jump-off, laying down a blazing time of 37.869 seconds, which would ultimately hold up for the runner-up spot. Behind Jennings, Alyssion Siopes (USA) piloted David Tromp Show Stables Inc.’s nine-year old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Sheikh It, HHS Good Times to third place.
Competition resumes Tuesday, July 9, with Equitation Tuesday, kicking off the second week of competition at the 2024 HITS Vermont Summer Festival. For a full list of results, please visit www.showmanagementsytem.com.
