January 25, 2024, Myakka City, Florida. The Lugano Diamonds Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) returned to TerraNova Equestrian Center near Sarasota, Florida, featuring a CSI2* rating and the second year of the $300,000 Championship Series. Thursday’s competition highlight was the $35,000 C. Jarvis Insurance 1.45m FEI Welcome. In the end, it was Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Squirt Gun (Diarado x Quick Star), owned by O’Shea and Eye Candy Jumpers, who took the top spot.
Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen (USA), 14th to go aboard her own 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, Mochito v/d Mishagen (Emerald Van’t Ruytershof x Gitane de la Pomme), made use of her mount’s huge stride to cross the timers clear in 38.26 to slide into second place. With two left to go, Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) and San Francisco Stable’s Abril Kontendra (Contendro I x Gama Quintana), a 9-year-old warmblood, produced a quick, clear round but could not catch O’Shea’s pace, finishing in 39.23 to claim the third-place prize.
“Squirt Gun jumped super,” O’Shea said. “It’s his first class this year, and he felt in great form after a six-week break. I think he really enjoyed himself. This is my first time here [at TerraNova Equestrian Center], and it’s a fantastic facility. I’ve done many Split Rock shows. Derek and his team always do a super job.”
