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Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy Win Ericsson Grand Prix at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

Written by: Rebecca Walton
Client: Deeridge Farm
Release Date: 2011-11-29

Buenos Aires, Argentina –November 29, 2011 – Delaware North Companies and Boston Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs had great success at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires in Argentina held November 23-27, 2011 at Haras El Capricho, The talented amateur rider won three classes for his family’s Deeridge Farm, including the Ericsson Grand Prix aboard Leap of Joy, and the Nissan International Speed Derby with Flaming Star. He traveled to the event as a member of the United States Show Jumping Team competing in the FEI Nations Cup, which eventually earned the fifth place honors.

On Sunday, Jacobs topped off a great week by claiming the victory in the Ericsson Grand Prix with Leap of Joy. The pair completed a clear first round, and was the first to return for the four-horse jump-off. Once again they left all the fences standing, setting the unbeatable pace at 43.77 seconds. Canada’s Angela Lawrence came the closest to catching Jacobs, finishing second after crossing the finish line without fault riding Utan. Their time of 44.84 seconds was over a second off of the winning pace set by Jacobs.

“Leap of Joy was spectacular today,” said Jacobs. “Olaf Petersen did the courses, and this is a World Cup Qualifier, so it was a meaty course. There were over 40 horses and only four jumped clean. I had to go first in the jump-off and I knew the riders behind me were really fast, so I had to lay a good lick down and do my best, and I was fortunate that my horses responded really well.”

Earlier in the week, Jacobs piloted his second mount Flaming Star to victory as well, winning the 1.45m Open Jumper class on Thursday, and then the Nissan International Speed Derby on Saturday.

“Flaming Star was full of energy, even in this heat,” noted Jacobs. “We had a long course, with over 15 obstacles in a big field, during the Speed Derby and he held up wonderfully. He did a great job of keeping his composure.”

Following a strong first round of competition, the United States Show Jumping Team, competing in the FEI Nations Cup at CSIO-W Buenos Aires on Friday, had to settle for a fifth place at the end of the day. “We had a great trip with the exception of the Nation’s Cup on Friday, we just couldn’t catch a break,” explained Jacobs. “It was tough going for us, but couldn’t seem to get any luck on our side. Chef d’Equipe John Madden knew that we all wanted it really badly and we just needed to focus our energy on being calm and poised. It was good advice; he was a great coach.”

Jacobs concluded, “It’s a great honor to represent the United States, and a real privilege to be a part of this group. There were a lot of great people here and I really hope I have the opportunity to do it again soon.”

Photo Credit: Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy won the Ericsson Grand Prix at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.