Jim Ifko and Un Diamant des Forets, owned by Eventyre Farms, topped the field in the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45m Jumper Classic on March 25.

Amy McCool photo

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — With a terrific line-up ahead, Blenheim EquiSports launched its 2018 campaign with the five-day SPring Classic I show at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park March 21-25.
In the featured event, Jim Ifko and Un Diamant des Forets, owned by Eventyre Farms, topped the field in the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45m Jumper Classic. An enthusiastic crowd cheered on the competitors while enjoying BBQ sponsored by Bad to the Bone.

Completing the jump-off course fault-free in an impressive time of 38.514 seconds, he edged out the only other double-clear ride, Lane Clarke and McLord’s T.K.O, owned by Mickey Hayden, by nearly 3.5 seconds.
Course designer Catsy Cruz of Mexico built the 1.45m track on Blenheim’s Derby Field, which included a challenging triple combination, 6a,b,c, and later a double combination, 9a,b, that caused most of the faults on course.

“It was a challenging but fair course for the first week of the series,” Ifko said. “I really liked it. Un Diamant des Forets is a 10-year-old Selle Francais stallion in his second year at this level. We like this [Diamant De Semilly] breed a lot and are quite happy with the horses we have from that line.”

Eleven qualifiers remain in the Markel Insurance 1.45m Jumper Classic Series. This year’s Blenheim EquiSports Spring Series features the new FEI CSI 3* schedule, including three tours / Bronze, Silver, and Gold / that will culminate with the $80,000 1.50m Gold Tour Grand Prix. In addition, the Blenheim Spring Classic II will host Zone 10 North American Junior and Young Rider Trials.

$25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45M Jumper Classic
March 25, 2018 * Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, San Juan Capo, Calif.
Pl Horse / Rider / Owner / Faults/Time
1. Un Diamant des Forets / Jim Ifko / Eventyre Farms / 0/0/38.514
2. McLord’s T.K.O. / Lane Clarke / Mickey Hayden / 0/0/41.983
3. Chacco P / Will Simpson / Will Simpson / 4/70.545
4. Elicole / Jason McArdle / Fairbanks Valley Farm / 4/70.931
5. Chakira / Rachel Fields / Sandhaven Farm / 4/71.068
6. Centurion / Sloan Elmassian / Sloan Elmassian / 4/71.263
7. Coliccio / Kenneth Vinther / Kenneth Vinther / 4/71.657
8. Cair Paravel / Bryna Closson / Larkspur Equestrian / 4/73.300
9. All Faith MF / Chris Surbey / Georgia Hunt / 4/73.358
10. Complete Luck / Molly Talla / Molly Talla / 4/74.823
11. Sunday Cruise / Alexandra Biederman / Irish Ollie / 8/75.991
12. Elrito / Jason McArdle / Fairbanks Valley Farm/ 12/74.120