San Juan Capistrano, CA – September 18, 2021 – Elisa Broz turned 17 on Friday, and she found even more reason to continue the celebrations on Saturday as she claimed her first grand prix victory in the $25,000 Silver Tour Markel Insurance Grand Prix, presented by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, at the Blenheim Fall Tournament.
Broz and Volstrups Cody, owned by Constance Broz, were one of four entries to jump the first-round, Marina Azevedo-designed course without fault to return to jump-off on the Oaks International Grand Prix Field. As rails fell for each of the other three returners, Broz’s victory was secured as the only rider to jump double clear.
“In the jump-off, my plan was just to go clear and be quick,” said Broz, who trains with Cassie Belmont. “I was out there with some professionals, so I definitely wanted to just have a good solid round.”
With Broz’s jump-off going exactly to plan for the victory, second place with four faults in a time of 40.158 seconds went to Cassio Rivetti and Flairvona, owned by Bridgeport Farms LLC. Trent McGee and Boucherom rounded out the top three with eight faults in a time of 40.219 seconds, and fourth place was awarded to Keri Potter, who finished with eight faults in 45.45 seconds aboard Ariel La Sirene.
“[Volstrups Cody] was jumping amazing,” said Broz of the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding that she recently competed at the North American Youth Championships. “I’ve had him for two years. He is the horse that I took from the 1.20m up to the grand prix. I started doing the grand prix classes on him just last year, and I love him to death.”
For the win, Broz was presented with the South Pacific Trophy, a Shady Ladyface covering and a $50 Top Line Design Ribbon Wreath gift certificate. As the winning trainer, Belmont received a $50 SmartPak gift certificate.
Broz also received 13 points toward the Markel Insurance Jumper Series standings. The 15-part series concludes on Thursday, September 23, during the International Jumping Festival, before ultimately culminating in the $38,000+ finale at the Las Vegas National Horse Show in November, where the top 25 qualified riders will be invited to compete for the overall title.
In addition to the prize money up for grabs, the winner of the final will be presented with a Flexi-Equine “Jumper” locker and a Solea Equestrian Boutique custom show coat. The Leading Lady and Leading Gent will each additionally receive a cash bonus of $2,100 plus additional add back money.
Currently leading the Markel Insurance Jumper Series standings is Jason McArdle with 77 points coming into Saturday night’s class. To view the full standings, click here.
For Broz, while the Markel Insurance series finale may be a goal for her future, for now, she is taking advantage of all that Blenheim EquiSports has to offer as a platform for developing the future stars of equestrian sport. Immediately following her Saturday afternoon victory, Broz headed from the Grand Prix Field to the Indoor Arena for the NHSAA/ASPCA Maclay Region 8 Championship.
Competition at Blenheim EquiSports continues with the International Jumping Festival, September 22-26. To learn more about Blenheim EquiSports, the #PlaceToJump all season long, visit ThePlaceToJump.com.
All photos by McCool Photography
