Jacob Pope Prevails in $116,500 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix
Jacob Pope (USA) had been waiting on the special moment that he would score a grand prix victory with his mount Jecibelle, and that day came on Saturday of week five of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, in the $116,500 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix. The pair posted a blazing-fast jump-off time, unseating already quite competitive pairs, and claimed their first international victory together.
“ It’s a huge win any time to win a grand prix and I’m so happy to have done it with Jecibelle,” Pope reflected after the win. “I’ve had her just a year and I feel like our partnership is just really starting to come together in a really great way. The win today has been the culmination of a lot of hard work with a nice horse, getting to know her and letting her shine the way that she wants to. I’m so happy with her.”
The jump-off welcomed six competitors. While it wasn’t the largest field, it produced an extremely fast battle for the top spot. Prior to Pope’s turn, Erynn Ballard (CAN), who had already pocketed two FEI wins for the week and was seeking a third, posted a new leading time, just to be outdone immediately by Hunter Holloway (USA). Both of their times were fast, and they were separated by a very slim margin.
“I was actually down at the gate already when Hunter was in the ring and she’s always a fast rider,” Pope shared. “I really admire how she rides so I was definitely watching how she rode all the turns. I tried to do the same thing and I just barely nipped her. I’m happy for her and excited we were one-two.”
Pope believed Jecibelle, an 11-year-old Belgian Sporthorse mare (Boyfriend du Seigneur x Ogano Sitte) had the speed required to go faster, but he didn’t want to interfere with her confidence.
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Jacob Pope Prevails in $116,500 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix – Traverse City Horse Shows
