When Maria Yzerman entered the ring for her jump-off in the $25,000 Saratoga Grand Prix, she had the benefit of knowing that she could take a little more time and aim for a clear round on Pepe 348, her eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Perigueux x Diarado). As the second of two in the jump-off, she breathed a little easier when Robert Lee and MTM Logo had a rail at the third jump. They had a smooth, efficient second round and finished clear with a time of 47.363 seconds for the win.

Photo – Maria Yzerman stayed confident and clear in the jump-off to win the $25,000 Saratoga Grand Prix with Pepe 348. (Jess Windhurst Photography)

“In the first round, I was seeing all kinds of distances, and he was really there for me helping me out. I just wanted to give him a nicer ride and the jump-off he deserved to have,” said Yzerman. “I felt a lot more confident in the jump-off, and I felt more prepared. It was nice that there were only two of us because I just had to see what Robert did and then I could change my plan from there. And unfortunately, he had one down, so my plan changed.”

First Victory

This was the pair’s first grand prix victory together since the 27-year-old Yzerman imported the handsome gray a year ago from Belgium. They competed in their first grand prix in May at the Ottawa Spring Horse Shows in Canada, Yzerman’s home country, where “Pepe” finished second and Yzerman’s second mount Lazzaro – who placed fifth in this grand prix – took the win.

“He’s getting better and better, but he’s still quite young, so I take it slow with him,” said Yzerman. “I let him develop on his own time. He’s super cool, he’s super quick, he loves to win, and he’s fun. He has a bright future ahead, but I’m going to let him take his time getting there.”

The Right Headspace

In the past year, Yzerman said that while she is helping Pepe learn, he is also helping her become a better rider. “He’s a little bit of a nervous horse, so I had to grow myself to become calmer and more confident because he’s a younger horse,” she explained. “I have to get myself in the right headspace before I get on him. I think it’s going to be a really great partnership.”

Lee and MTM Logo, owned by Brook Run Farm LLC, finished second with four faults in the jump-off in a time of 45.020 seconds. Third place went to Kristen Bumpus on Carpe Diem CV Z, owned by Carpe Diem Z LLC, who just missed the jump-off with two time faults in the first round and a time of 89.327 seconds.

See More Action from the Saratoga Classic I Horse Show:

$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

About Saratoga Horse Shows

Now in its 27th year, Saratoga Horse Shows will offer 10 USEF-rated competitions on the 2025 show calendar, along with an additional seven schooling show dates. Managed by Southbound Saratoga Management Group and held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York, Saratoga Horse Shows is situated on more than 100 acres and located just minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs. With eight large arenas featuring state-of-the-art drainage and all-weather performance footing, permanent and tented stabling, and turnout paddocks, it is the ideal place to show during the spring and summer months. Visit www.saratogahorseshows.com to learn more.