San Juan Capistrano, CA – September 24, 2022 – The 12-part Markel Insurance 1.35m Jumper Series culminated with a victory for Jose Maria Quintana and Catoki Boy in the $20,000 Markel Insurance Final on Friday, September 23, during the Blenheim EquiSports International Jumping Festival in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Quintana and Catoki Boy were one of 15-horses from the 28-horse field to qualify for what proved to be a hotly contested jump-off in the Grand Looke Arena at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.
Of the 15 returners, three were ridden by Quintana, and it was his second entry, Catoki Boy, that proved to have the winning pace on Friday. The pair stopped the clock in 32.238 seconds to take the victory. Second place in a time of 33.040 seconds went to Jamie Sailor and Daytona, and rounding out the top three with a finish time of 33.085 seconds were Simon Schroeder and Charlie Red Wine CS.
“[My plan for the jump-off] was to go full speed because there were so many riders in the jump-off!” said Quintana, 20. “I knew I had the horse to make the win, so I knew I only had to follow my plan. That’s what I did, and it worked out.”
Quintana continued, “It was a good course. There were plenty of riders – plenty of good riders and plenty of pro riders. I found my way to go with my three into the jump-off and almost got the three of them clear in the jump off. In the end, I got a little mistake at the last jump; otherwise, I would have ended up in first and second. I went for it, and it didn’t work out – but at least we got the win!”
Quintana’s victory with Catoki Boy in the $20,000 Markel Insurance Final comes just one month after the Mexican rider earned his first ever grand prix win aboard the 12-year-old Holsteiner – and after two years off for Catoki Boy.
“Catoki Boy just came back this year, and I couldn’t ask for a better return for him to the big arenas,” said Quintana of the stallion his family purchased five years ago. “He was my first 1.40m horse and my first Grand Prix horse.”
For the win on Friday, Quintana received a Blenheim EquiSports tack room pillow, a Topline Design Ribbon Wreaths custom frame and gift certificate and a gift certificate to Riderzon.
Also awarded following Friday’s class were the 2022 Markel Insurance Series Leading Lady and Leading Gentleman bonuses.
The 2022 Markel Insurance Series offered more than $145,000 in overall program prize money and provided horses and riders with the opportunity to compete in $10,000 –$20,000 1.35m classes of various formats throughout the Blenheim EquiSports show season.
During the series, $50 from each Markel Insurance Classic entry went toward the Leading Rider bonuses, and on Friday evening Nicole Haunert and Mariano Maggi were each presented with an Espoir gift certificate and bonus checks for $5,625.
For full Markel Insurance Jumper Series standings, click here. Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long. To learn more, visit www.theplacetojump.com.
