Sergio Campos and the Longwood Equestrian Center Sum up The Kentucky Summer Classic

Sergio Campos and the riders of the Longwood Equestrian Center wrapped up week two of the Kentucky Summer Shows, held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, with several impressive ribbons and a promising Grand Prix debut.
 
Campos kicked the week off with a big win in Wednesday’s 1.40 jumper class with Monkey du Parc, a young bay who showcased his careful style and impressive speed.  

Owned by Longwood client Diana Rodolpho, Monkey, paired with Campos, bested what appeared to be an unbeatable ride by Angel Karolyi aboard Gallant.

The win urged Rodolpho to enter her horse, an 8-year-old Selle Francais, in Thursday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. “This was our first real grand prix,” noted Rodolpho, who navigated the course well despite earning several faults. “I was so nervous, but I was glad I did it. And he was just great. I have a very special bond with this horse,” she added, “I always have.”

Campos himself then showed Monkey in Saturday’s $40,000 RV Sales of Broward Grand Prix and was impressed with the results. “He jumped very, very well,” said Campos. These were big!  He ran in to some trouble in the triple combination, but he just doesn’t understand yet how to roll back enough—but that’s all part of the learning process. Everything else went really well and we’re very pleased with him.”

In other results this week, Campos collected the red ribbon in Thursday’s 1.40 with Cancun Z, owned by Mariana Savage. Cancun Z was also 6th in YJC 7/8 Year-old Qualifier. “He has barely had a rail the whole meet,” noted Savage of the big gray who won the Level 7 jumpers in week I. “He’s 1st or 2nd in almost every class.”

Aboard Pontitano, owned by Landon Faezell, Campos was 8th in the 1.40 and in the 1.35, he took 4th with Lamira, owned by Robin Swinderman. And new Longwood client Daniel Vasconcelos earned 3rd place in the Low A-O Jumpers with his mare Serena.

All in all, “We had just a wonderful time here is Kentucky,” noted Campos. “Next year, we’d like to come back for the whole season.” Campos and company will now head back to Longwood, FL for a short hiatus before showing again in early fall.

Photo: Diana Rodolpho and Monkey du Parc