January 27, 2024, Myakka City, Florida. The Lugano Diamonds Split Rock Jumping Tour’s (SRJT) $100,000 Lugano Diamonds 1.45m Grand Prix took place before an atmospheric crowd on Saturday afternoon at the world-class TerraNova Equestrian Center. Ultimately, it was Rowan Willis (AUS) and his own homebred 13-year-old warmblood mare, Wellington Grey Goose (Corlensky G x Grandira), who stood atop the podium after dominating the jump off.
Hallie Grimes (USA) and Karoline of Ballmore (Diarado x Faraline V), a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Can We Keep It? LLC, were the first to enter the arena and delivered a fault-free round. Only four additional pairs rode to a clear finish and joined Grimes for the jump off.
Richie Moloney (IRL) and Equinimity LLC’s Rocksy Music (ARS Vivendi x Krafty Kate), a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, produced another double clear but weren’t quick enough to catch Grimes. The pair crossed the timers just .05 seconds slower. Next to contest the course was Rebecca Conway (USA) and Blue Hill Farm’s Con Coleur (Contendro I x Charlotta), 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding. While they left all the rails in the cups, she rode a more conservative route to finish in 49.44.
“Wellington Grey Goose is a real tryer, and she’s fast,” Willis said. “For the jump off, I knew I had to be on a run from the first fence. It was a good six from the wall to the oxer, and I knew I had to gallop away if I had any chance of catching Hallie.