WILLIAMSBURG — Sean Jobin’s birthday wish came true Saturday as he piloted Arkuga to the win in the $116,500 B&D Builders CSIO3* Grand Prix to close out week four of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
Up against 13 jump-off contenders, the Canadian knew the task would be a tough one, but thanks to the trust he has in his 15-year-old Anglo-European gelding (Arko x Heartbreaker) he believed he could get it done.
“Arkuga gave me a nice birthday gift today so I’m real happy with him for pulling through,” Jobin said following the win.
The speed started early for Jobin, who jumped the first-round track, built by fellow Canadian Peter Grant, quite a bit faster than most other competitors. Though that isn’t always an indicator of an ultimate winner, Jobin believed the extra speed played well into the jump-off for him.
“The first round I probably clicked a bit faster than I needed to but that suited well for the jump-off because he was already on a blistering pace,” he explained. “I went quick one to [fences] two to three and then steadied off after. I got tight after the triple combination but he tried so well. After that it felt super easy for him.”
Jobin had the task of following Olympian Mclain Ward (USA) and First Lady, who put in an impressive time of 39.85 seconds. The pair looked tough to beat, but Jobin hadn’t seen exactly what he was up against.
“I actually tried not to watch Mclain and Erynn [Ballard] because they go fast but they ride their own horses,” he shared about his jump-off approach. “I made the decision after being at Spruce to try to ride the tracks where I could keep the momentum going as well as I could. I probably did an extra step in a lot of spots but Arkuga is quick in the air and has a fast step so it ended up working out today.”
Team Plain Bay wins Non Pro Team Jumper Challenge
In the fourth edition of the $10,000 Non Pro Team Jumper Challenge, Team Plain Bay earned the win with an impressive score of eight faults across the two rounds. Team members Dorothy E. Cox, Penelope McConnell, Isla McConnell, and Barney B. Jacob put in strong rounds with their horses to deliver their first win.
McConnell rode to a clear round with Fostyne in round one, which ended up being vital for their team.
“It feels good,” she said of her performance. “My horse was really good. She covered for me a bit in some spots. I got really long into the second jump and she jumped it well and jumped up. She was really good all around.”
Cox recognized the privilege it was to have a class of this format as an adult amateur.
“I think the class is a fun class because it gets a team together in a team environment,” she explained. “Most amateurs and juniors don’t get to do this unless they’re doing Young Riders so it’s fun to compete in this class, get in the big ring, and compete not just for yourself but for the team and a group of friends. And we have fun doing it.”