The ingate was crowded when Bretton Chad (CAN) entered the Fort Grand Prix Arena for the jump-off of the Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m.
Bretton’s sister Kara Chad (CAN)—fresh off a win in the CSI3* Uryadi’s Village Winning Round 1.45m—and significant other Charlie Jones (GBR) walked under the tower on horseback with their rooting interest and were animated as they shouted words of encouragement from the end of the arena. It just might have given Bretton a boost, as she kept the winning in the family and rode to a convincing victory aboard 9-year-old CSF Princess Blue.
The pair crossed the timers of Anderson Lima’s (MEX) short course in 39.32 seconds, confidently surging to the top of the leaderboard by nearly three seconds. Only two of the other six combinations jumped double-clear, with Jayme Omand (USA) and Ferrari second (42.07s) and Jones himself third with Fallon V’gas (46.64s). Bretton and CSF Princess Blue were the only combination to complete the jump-off in under 40 seconds.
“It was one of those jump-offs where it kind of comes right up for you. She loves a little pace, so that was right from the beginning—just pick up a great canter and then steer and let her do her thing,” Bretton said. “She loves being active, so that’s really her time to shine.”
Bretton and Jones and partners in both business and life, and Jones was the one who first took note of CSF Princess Blue last year.
“He always has an eye out in England, and we have a lot of good friends there,” Bretton said. “We had a good connection, and they put us in touch [with the owners].”
Bretton aims to step her mare up to FEI competition next week at the CSI3* Summer Fort Classic.
“She hasn’t done many FEI shows yet, so it’s a new level for her and me,” Bretton said. “But she’s feels like she’s more than ready.”
Maui Jim Grand Prix 1.40m
Horse / Rider / Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
1. CSF Princess Blue / Bretton Chad / CAN / Stone Ridge Farms LLC / 0/0 39.32
2. Ferrari / Jayme Omand / USA / Jayme Omand / 0/0 42.07
3. Fallon V’Gas / Charlie Jones / GBR / Stone Ridge Farms LLC / 0/0 46.64
4. GK Caamp / Braden James / CAN / Stump Lake Ranch and Cattle Co / 0/4 41.39
5. Kadans / Tiffany Foster / CAN / Artisan Farms LLC / 0/4 41.75
6. Nindino PS / Tiffany Foster / CAN / 5 Roosters / 0/4 42.91
7. Nadja v/h Dingeshof / Lauren Myers / CAN / Myers Group Investments / 0/8 43.08
8. Chap II / James Chawke / IRL / Meredith Ellis / 4 73.08
9. Aztlan / John Perez / COL / John Perez / 4 75.29
10. Rhapsody / Sarah Lottis / CAN / Kevin Lottis / 4 75.53
