Sergio Campos and Shakira Do Jacare Win Big in Fall Classics Opener
Conyers, GA –Owner-rider Sergio Campos of Longwood, Florida became the man to chase in the opening Welcome Stake of the Fall Series presented by Essex Classics. Partnered with Shakira Do Jacare a 9-year-old Brazilian mare bred at his family’s home in Brazil, Campos beat out a field of 24 nationally and internationally ranked competitors to take the victory.
Course designer Patrick Rodes of Argyle, Texas offered up a 15-effort layout of sweeping turns and big spreads with a generous time allowance of 82 seconds. “We were very welcoming.” Rodes said with a mischievous grin, “Having not seen this group before, it was an opportunity to get them in this ring and observe. Probably went a bit too easy on them but better that than too hard.” Asked what might be in store for Sunday’s Grand Prix he smiled big and replied, “I’ve seen what I have to work with now.”
Sergio said of the first round (a Table II Section B) course, “A good one, the triple was tough and that last line was very fragile! The rest of the course was very pleasant to ride.” Shakira and Sergio went clear with a first round time of 71.771 seconds. The pair elected to run their jump off course of 7 obstacles versus returning later and run is just what they did with a blazing second round time of 35.798 going clear to take the lead away from Derek Petersen and his mount Cliff 28. “The jump off was just a great big run and that’s Shakira’s speciality! I had watched Derek’s jump off run and thought I’d have to work to catch him but I knew if we kept the rails up my girl had the speed.” he commented of the jump off course.
Campos a native of Brazil was actually a professional bull rider for several years before entering the equestrian field full time. “I did ride bulls professionally for about 6 years but gave it up almost 4 years ago. My goal from the childhood remains the same; to one day make the Olympic team. I gave up school, home, and bulls” a smiling Sergio went on to say, “to come here (the US) to further that dream. I eat, drink, and sleep it still. I’m hoping to take two down to Brazil next year for qualifying in the Pan Am Games.” His immediate plans include the Grand Prix this weekend, “I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve finished second the last few years of this event so I’d like a win now.” Campos laughed.
Another reason for Sergio’s broad smile was the pride in one of his students, Melissa Rudershausen, who also had a double clear ride and finished 7th. “This is her first year competing at the Grand Prix levels and she’s been in the ribbons almost everytime, including a 3rd place finish at Culpepper this summer. I’m very proud of her! She works hard and is definitely someone to be watching next year!” he concluded warmly.
Second place honors went to Cliff 28 piloted by Derek Petersen for owner Patrick Gruninger with a jump off time of 40.264. Petersen also took 3rd place as rider-owner on Cisco in a time of 40.395. Roberto Teran on board Double Diamond for owner King Ridge Stables placed fourth in a time of 41.143 seconds and finishing up the top five was Trading Places with rider Daniel Geitner for owner Kyle Register in a time of 41.387 seconds.
The Atlanta Fall Classics continue through November 19th with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Classes begin daily at 8AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is free and at 2PM each Sunday will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper event. For more information or results on the Fall Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 770-602-2510.
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