Green Cove Springs, FL –The second week of the Jacksonville Winter Series is proving to be just as full of nail biting excitement as the opening event. Kyle King, now based in Ocala, FL riding Finnete for owner Robin Cox took top call in Thursday’s Lucky Sevens Open Welcome Jumper Classic sponsored by Ring Power.

Kyle and Finnete, a 13 year-old bay Hanoverian mare found this win especially sweet. “She’s been out of competition for almost a year.” King began, “It just felt great to be back in the ring with her!”   Facing a field of 29 determined athletes, Kyle was one of only 8 to advance to the jump off round.

So after a series kick off with the renowned Dave Ballard as course designer the question is how do you follow that act. Simple, you bring in the great Michel Vaillancourt! Known for his technical test, he’s sometimes called the “Where’s Waldo” designer as his courses always have that “little hidden trick”. Michel has long been a favorite of top riders and show managements in the US and aboard. For the Welcome he set a 12-obstacle layout [15 efforts] that when walked appeared fair and straightforward, but true to his nature the “simplest of test” became the trick in round one. The majority of riders acquired at least 4 faults either at fence #4, an oxer with a 5-foot spread or at fence #5, a tall vertical [4’6”] set on the outside track. “It was a little short going from #3 [vertical] into that oxer. I think a lot of the horses just miscalculated.” King explained.

Finnete passed the first round test below the allotted 84 seconds with a clear time of 83.197.  “She just got right into it.” Kyle expressed of his partner, “Like she hadn’t been off.” He went on to say the course rode very well, “The management here always takes great care with the footing for us. And what can you say about Michel that hasn’t been said before. His courses always challenge us and bring out our best.”

Heading into the final round of 6 obstacles- 7 efforts the challenge became one of speed and finesse. The determining factor would be how one came off fence #3- the choice would be an immediate hard right to rollback over the #6 triple bar or take the “scenic route” around and loose precious time. With an allowance of only 40 seconds most all riders took the challenge, Kyle and Finnete were no exceptions blazing through the course effortlessly in a clear 33.955 to cinch the win.

Rounding out the top five positions for tonight’s Welcome Classic were in second place owner-rider Sharn Wordley on Epsom with a clear round time of 34.379. Third place went to Hugh Graham with Jamestown for owner Kingridge Stables in a clean 34.383 seconds. The fourth position went to Roberto Teran on board Distant Star for owner Kingridge Stables with a clear time of 34.597 and completing the fifth spot was Sharn Wordley aboard his own Mr. Flanagan in a clear time of 34.634.  “You can bet it’ll be a great Prix on Saturday with this group coming back. I know I can’t wait to take them on again.”, the evening’s winner laughed.

Photo: Kyle King & Finnete win Welcome Classic by © Flashpoint Photography