(April 13, 2025) CHARLOTTE | Speed was the name of the game for opening night of the Fourth Annual Charlotte Jumper Classic as the top riders in the world competed against the clock to score the fastest clear round on tight, challenging courses. The three-day, $400,000 Grand Prix show jumping event continues through Sunday, April 15, 2025 at Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.
First up was the $10,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Competition where Carolyn Kelly thrilled the crowd as she and her horse Omona AW went 30th in the field of 33 delivering a winning time of 44:20.
The early pacesetter was Alexandra Arute of Avon, Connecticut on My Fair Lady. Arute was quick, touring the speed course fault free with a time of 45.77. Arute wowed the crowd once again when she and an additional horse Saphira posted a time of 46.56, putting her in first and third place in the class. She remained here until the winner Carolyn Kelly upped Arute two riders later on Omana AW for the win.
Kelly was extremely pleased with her performance. ”My horse was really neat on the course,” said a smiling Carolyn Kelly following her opening night win. ”I trust my horse so much, and I knew she would go any distance that I asked of her tonight,” she added.
Results of Class 5 Amateur-Owner/Junior Competition A 238.2.1 CSI -04-13-07 | Charlotte Bobcats Arena
1 Carolyn Kelly Omona AW - 0.00/44.20
2 Alexandra Arute My Fair Lady - 0.00/45.77
3 Cassie Herman Galop de Beaumont - 0.00/46.12
4 Alexandra Arute - Saphira - 0.00/46:56
5 Hillary Dobbs Marengo - 0.00/46.71
6 Andrew Welles 0.00/Kartouche VD Watering - 0.00/47.33
The International Jumper competition was up next and featured the best international riders from around the world. Forty-one starters lined up for a go in the $25,000 International Competition. Kyle King, from Ocala, FL riding out the 22 spot in the order on Kosta toured the Steve Stephens designed course without penalty and tripped the timers in 49.68 for the win. Eric Lamaze and Narcotique de Muze came a full 3 seconds behind King to finish second with a time of 52.73. Jimmy Torano from Ft. Lauderdale Florida and Marlo were third, clocking in at 52.80 seconds, but none were quick enough to beat King.
“This is my wifes horse”,said King, who explained his winning ride to the crowd. ”I didnft know what to expect from the horse but he is naturally fast. He tried hard and was a very good boy, that coupled with a little luck gave us the win tonight.”
Results of Class 1 International Jumper A 238.2.1 CSI -04-13-07 Charlotte Bobcats Arena
1 Kyle King Kosta - 0.00/49.68
2 Eric Lamaze - Narcotique - 0.00/52.73
3 Jimmy Torano Marlo 0.00/52.80
4 Danielle Torano Seacoast Cantona Z - 0.00/53.31
5 Margie Engle Hidden Creek ’s Wapino 0.00/53.63
6 Callan Solem Mianta 0.00/54.11
The third and last class of the evening was the $10,000 Adult Amateur Competition. Tracey Mack and Lucky Four ignited the crowd as she took the lead as the second to last rider in the 20-rider class to post a clear round with a time of 43.86. Lynn Seithel Jekel and Rapunzel who had the top spot for much of the class came in second with a time of 46.52. Kris Hoffman Kennedy came in third atop Quest Dfor, delivering a time of 52.11. Mack, who also won same class last year, was thrilled with the win.
“I ran my horse really hard as he doesnft jump well if hefs not going fast,” said Mack.”I really enjoyed myself out there tonight and winning here in Charlotte two years in a row is especially sweet”, she added.
Results of Class 8 Adult Amateur Competition A 238.2.1 CSI -04-13-07 | Charlotte Bobcats Arena
1 Tracey Mack Lucky Four - 0.00/43.86
2 Lynn Seithel Jekel Rapunzel - 0.00/46.52
3 Kris Hoffman Kennedy Quest D’or - 0.00/52.11
4 Kate Goodman Maui Jim - 0.00/52.53
5 April Wehle Mamzelle - .00/52.97
6 Ahmed Alali Rigal DArsouilles - 0.00/56.34
The Charlotte Jumper Classic continues tomorrow, Saturday, April 13 with a 1 p.m. afternoon session and a 7 p.m. evening session. Saturday afternoon is Kids day and the first 3,000 kids will receive a FREE Charlotte Jumper Classic coloring and activity book. A horse and rider clinic for kids follows the afternoon session where kids can learn how to care for a horse and what it takes to compete in show jumping. The evening session on Saturday begins at 7:00 p.m. and includes a class for the top Amateur-Owners and the Charlotte Welcome Stake. Grand Prix Sunday, April 15, kicks off at 2:00 p.m. with the Charlotte Adult Jumper Classic and ends with the exciting Grand Prix of Charlotte where riders will compete for a $200,000 purse. The Charlotte Jumper Classic continues Saturday, April 14 with a 1 p.m. afternoon session and a 7 p.m. evening session and culminates with the Grand Prix of Charlotte at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 9.
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