Greenwich, Connecticut – September 29, 2024 – Saving the best for last in more than one aspect on super Sunday and what a grand finale! With a very good crowd in attendance at the Greenwich Polo Club, the 2024 Major League Show Jumping – Greenwich CSI 5* & CSI 2* saw the curtains close for its fifth leg of the season.
After building the climax the previous two days, it was time for the main attraction, the $200,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Fidelity, resulting in the thrilling victory by Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi (KSA) and Ventago.
Just as in all the other classes, Alan Wade (IRL) was the course designer responsible for testing 45 combinations, elaborating the first round course which consisted of 13 obstacles and sixteen jumping efforts, setting the time allowed of 77 seconds.
First Round
The stage was set, time for Isabella Russekof (ISR) and C Vier 2 to enter the ring, having the honors of showing the path the rest of the field. The duo put on a valiant effort, having just one pole down.
Abdel Said (EGY) and Bonne Amie were the first to complete the jump-off course in flawless fashion. Philip McGuane (IRL) represented Ireland well with Edgard de Prefontaine, securing the the jump-off. Time passed, riders in and out of the ring …. the first drag and only two combinations had been clean.
One of the favorites, Richard Vogel (GER) and Phenyo van het Keyzersbos booked their spot too. Kent Farrington (USA) and Myla gave the host nation something to cheer about, a chance for an american win. Another opportunity for Germany to claim the coveted title, the second one came by the reins of Rene Dittmer (GER) and gallops of Corsica X.
Lillie Keenan (USA) and Kick On made sure the ladies were represented in the battle too. Ireland again! Jordan Coyle (IRL) and For Gold crossed the line to stamp their passport to the next round. Sean Jobin (CAN) and Sterrehof’s Edinus did not make it.
The odds turned in favor of the Irish one more time, 3 finalists: Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Eddy Blue had made it too! Last but not least, the young man from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdulrahman Al Rajhi (KSA) on Ventago joined the shootout, bringing the final number to 10 jump-off contenders!
The first round had come to an end, the time allowed was not much of a factor but element b (oxer) of the Rolex double alongside the ring wreacked havoc on the contestants, the bogey jump had played its role, keeping several riders from moving ahead.
Jump-off
Showtime for showjumping and the display of horsepower! Once again, Said set off first with Bonne Amie, blazing across the track, producing a foot-perfect round in 36.55 seconds, in the end, good enough for a respectable fourth place.
Philip McGuane (IRL) and Edgard had a rail down, followed by two refusals, thus elimination. Vogel pursued victory from the start, registering the fastest time amongst all finalists, so much effort in vain, sadly at the expense of 8 penalty-points.
Finally, time for “one of the hosts”, Kent Farrington (USA), with Myla, not only taking the lead and but also the breath of spectators away, the new mark standard in 36.27 seconds. Rene Dittmer (GER) was brave, dashing for the cash with Corsica X, temporarily taking over third place before finishing fifth in the final results since there still would be three more to go.
Lillie Keenan (USA) and Kick On galloped on fast and furious mode and despite what seemed a little stumble before the last obstacle, the crowd erupted, the 1.60m contest had new leaders, guaranteeing at least one U.S. rider on the podium! Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Eddy Blue were even faster, but one little mishap and it was over for them.
Saving the best for last! After having won the MLSJ Individual Speed CSI 5* class the previous day, it was time for Abdulrahman Al Rajhi (KSA) to put the icing on the cake! It would be the perfect ending to a fairytale week for Saudi showjumpers around the world. After all, they had won three classes in Morocco as well as the Nations Cup CSIO 4*-W in Rabat too! Across the Atlantic ocean, the final chapter laid in the reins of the young man, and he did not falter! Going all out, while using Ventago‘s long stride to his advantage, Al-Rajhi (KSA) kept his cool to clear the final oxer, setting the winning mark in 35.42 seconds, writing the perfect script, the perfect ending!
Winner’s Circle – Abdulrahman Al Rajhi (KSA)
“Obviously, it’s a new experience for me to be here in the States, we had a very great show and competition as well, the crowd was really amazing, I am very happy to be here and to win the grand prix. I think the most difficult part today was my horse. He is an unbelievable horse, but I think he is one of the slowest horses in the class, his timing is slow, but he has the advantage, that he has a very huge stride, obviously ultra careful, all the scope, so, don’t get me wrong, he’s one of the best horses in the world, for sure. To be competitive with him, it needs a lot of hard effort.”
Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi (KSA) also mentioned about the special support he gets: “They deserve all the thanks, without the Saudi Equestrian Federation, I won’t be able to be here, they own the horse, they’re my sponsors, ao they are the ones that support me all the way here. Like honestly, we had a very big success this year or the year before….I do believe that I have very strong, simple horses that makes able to be at the Olympics and to be competitive and win a couple of five-star grands prix and this wouldn’t happen without theses horses…. I really thank them for what they are doing.”
Final Results – $200,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by Fidelity
1) Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi (KSA) & Ventago – 0 / 0 – 35.42
2) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick On – 0 / 0 – 35.88
3) Kent Farrington (USA) & Myla – 0 / 0 – 36.27
Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.
Photos: © Hannah Stephens / Elysian Media for Jumper News
