WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombia’s Mark Bluman on Ubiluc won the $62,500, CSI5* 1.50m Classic on Sunday, March 8 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Mark Bluman on Ubiluc (Photo by Sportfot)Under the Winning Round format, the top 12 from the opening round jumped again on a clean slate to determine the winner.
Bluman, who is on an exceptional run of form with 14 international top three finishes since November, went second to last and finished clean in 32.77 for the win.
“My horse is naturally a bit quicker than the rest of the others across the ground,” said Bluman. “As I was walking in the ring, I asked my cousin if he thought I could get the seven to the double. He said ‘absolutely,’ and I think that’s where we caught the time. My turn from one to two was super slick, and then doing the seven was good enough to take the win.”
Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard on Dior went second and set the time to beat of 33.15, which eventually placed her third.
Ireland’s Jordan Coyle on Ariso, last to go, finished clean in 32.80 seconds to place second.
BLUMAN'S cousin Daniel Bluman, who rides for Israel, on Ariso went right before Mark in round two and finished clean in 33.25 to place fourth, with Nayel Nasser of Egypt on Igo van de Wittemoere fifth in 33.34 and Nina Mallevaey of /france on My Clementine sixth in 34.10.
“He’s super comfortable jumping 1.50m,” said Bluman, who said he’s aiming at the 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final, which will take place on March 21.
“I have many great supporters, and many people investing in my career right now," said Bluman. 'I’m very lucky. In the last six months, we’ve climbed over 30 spots in the world ranking, so the goal is to keep going that way."
The final qualifiers for young horse finals during WEF 10 took place on Friday.
Germany’s Richie Vogel on Diaron’s Pitscher RP won the Future Challenge 7-Year-Old Young Jumper 1.30m.
In the 1.20m Young Jumper qualifier for 6-year-olds, Ireland’s Kelly Taggart on GVS Spice of Life was the winner.
Young horses will compete in the International Arena next week for finals in their respective age groups and height divisions.
