International show jumping competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic returned to the picturesque Rolex Arena on a Thursday evening. A field of 62 horse-and-rider pairs planned to enter the stadium to take home the win in the $38,700 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*. After many competitive rides, it was Luis Pedro Biraben and Chacco Bumpy that finished first. 

(Top Photo Information:  Luis Pedro Biraben and Chacco Bumpy. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.)

The class was set to a 2(a) format where the pairs that bested the course in round one were invited to return to the jump-off round for a shortened course. A total of 13 of the 62 athletes earned their spot in the jump-off aboard their respective mounts and put the pedal to the metal around the shortened track. Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR), who has set the course in the Rolex Stadium all week, is known for setting a competitive track that uses the entirety of the expansive ring. Bernardo Costa Cabral has built courses all over the world and most recently in Omaha, Nebraska, through his rich knowledge of course building, he was able to perfect the course in the $38,700 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*. For the first round, the 13-effort course challenged the competitors’ stamina and technique, including 8 oxers and several rollbacks.

Luis Pedro Biraben and Chacco Bumpy had a great plan going into this class. Biraben piloted the 13-year-old Oldenburg Mare to an exceptional double clear effort. The pair took a more steady approach in the first round, giving them a clear round score of 74.500. But, Biraben took a faster approach in the jump off, which proved to be beneficial in the outcome. The duo worked hand-in-hand to execute their plan to perfection, leaving all rails intact and propel themselves to the top of the leaderboard with a time of 35.930 in the second round.