Las Vegas, NV – Hunter Holloway is proving to be a safe bet at the Las Vegas National CSI4*-W. The defending $150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Las Vegas winner returned to the South Point Arena this year to kick off the show with a win in the $9,200 CSI4*-W 1.35m Blenheim EquiSports “Viva Las Vegas” Two-Phase Stake, presented by Impeccable Equerry, on Tuesday, November 15.
Holloway and Dana de Kerglenn, owned by Sigma Stables LLC, were one of 36 entries to take on the week’s opening FEI competition, and, as the 27th entry to jump the two-phase course designed by Brazil’s Anderson Lima, Holloway set the time to beat over the second phase at 32.89 seconds.
“It was pretty straightforward today – a nice warm-up day,” said Holloway, who will point Dana de Kerglenn toward higher classes later in the week. “Jumps one through six were nice and easy for the first phase, and then I landed off that first oxer and kind of hit the gas pedal a little bit to be quick at the end.”
Jake Endicott and RMF Chacco Top, owned by Ashland Farms, were the next pair in the ring following Holloway, and they came the closest to catching her, stopping the clock in 32.97 seconds for second place. Third place with a time of 34.05 seconds went to Virginia’s Kama Godek aboard her own Lady Stakkata.
For the win, Holloway was awarded a pair of custom Impeccable Equerry Riding Boots, a Blenhiem EquiSports coolerette, an Ethel M Chocolates Epic Premium Chocolate Gift Basket, an Ogilvy saddle pad and a Topline Design Ribbon Wreaths custom picture frame and gift certificate.
“We love it here,” said Holloway of the Las Vegas National CSI4*-W. “We’ve been here a few years now, and it’s always super exciting. The crowd always brings a lot of atmosphere to the ring.”
This year marks Holloway’s second year competing Dana de Kerglenn at the event, as she has had the ride on the 9-year-old grey Selle Français mare for a little over a year.
“She’s super,” said Holloway, who hails from Topeka, KS. “I got to show her in some 1.50m stuff this summer. It’s been a little while since we’ve been indoors, so we’re taking it easy on day one. She’s really straightforward and super simple. She has plenty of stride, and she’s quick across the ground, so she really has everything you’d want in a horse.”
Also earning a victory on Tuesday at the Las Vegas National CSI4*-W were Zume Gallaher and Ellouthago PS, who topped the $1,000 1.40m Las Vegas Jumpers, presented by Tack of the Town and Ogilvy Equestrian.
For full results from all of Tuesday’s classes, click here, or visit blenheim.showgroundslive.com.
The Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, featuring the Marshall & Sterling Insurance USHJA National Championships, continues through Sunday, November 20, with the featured $150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Las Vegas, presented by Walter Oil & Gas, taking center stage on Saturday evening, November 19. Admission is free for all events, with the exception of Saturday night, with tickets available for purchase here.
