Laura Chapot dominated the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Sunday at the Winter Equestrian Festival, winning on her reliable Quointreau un Prince and finishing second on Thornhill Kate, a mare she started riding last year.
Kent Farrington, one of the fastest riders anywhere and ranked number two in the world, had to settle for third with Dublin, timed in 36.69, behind Prince’s 34.79 mark and Kate in 35.88.
Laura, who is adept at going for it against the clock, noted, “The jump-off was really fast, so I just took a big shot at it, and they came through for me.”
The rider from Neshanic Station observed, “I think I have turned Kate more into a ride similar to Prince.
“When I first got her, she was used to going more up and down and not quite as forward and long-strided. Now she really loves to gallop and leave out strides. She actually has a very big stride, so she is becoming more similar to Prince, who is just a pleasure to ride. You just gallop with him, and if he sees a long distance, he gets there in a heartbeat.”