Alex Granato & Carlchen W. ph: Winslow Photography LLC.
The $40,000 Amalaya Investments 1.50 Meter Welcome was the feature event on the card at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Columbus International CSI3* in Johnstown, Ohio.
On Friday, October 6, 2017, a field of 46 entries took to the course designed by Germany’s Olaf Peterson, with eight proceeding to the shortened track. The jump-off was just as demanding, with only USA’s Alex Granato and David Raposa jumping double clear rounds. Raposa and S& L Sage had the disadvantage of going first in the jump off, finishing in 50.42s for an eventual 2nd place. Granato went in the ring and turned in a much quicker round aboard Carlchen W, a 9-year-old Mecklenberg gelding. The duo finished in 48.63s to secure the victory.
“This horse is a real competitor,” said Granato. “He is probably more game than I am to go in and win each time. I have had him since he was a five-year-old, so [we’ve had] four and-a-half years together. We know each other quite well at this point. He has had a super year.”
USA’s Margie Engle and Royce picked up four faults in the final round, finishing in 48.57s for 3rd place.
The full results can be viewed here.