Certain to be a speedy second round, the race was on for the win. First and last to return, Coe and Baronez had four faults in 41.22, and eight faults on Vernon G, picking up sixth and seventh. Choosing not to jump-off on Tristan, he automatically ended eighth and Combina was tenth for the day. Next Azcarraga on Gangster posted the first double clear in 39.031, taking the lead for a short while. Stewart and Bristol had a miscommunication at the second to last fence and crashed through, but galloped on to complete the round with four in 40.28, finishing fifth. Known for speed, Hutchison piloted Cantano to a fault free and fast 36.43, securing the number one spot. Parker put in a gallant effort on Xei Ha, stopping the clock in 39.032, just .001 seconds slower than Azcarraga with Gangster, which ultimately placed Gangster third and Parker fourth. Determined to catch Cantano, Azcarraga returned on Celsius. Double clear in 36.59, a mere .14 seconds behind Hutchison, Azcarraga settled for second place.

“She (Hutchison) has been fast with a rail the last two weeks. She said she felt slow today but was fast and clean,” Sandy Aston, well-known southern California professional and Hutchison’s ground person, said of the win. Noting that the southern California summer grand prix season has been both international and competitive, Aston proudly exclaimed, “Go USA!”

Catalina ‘Catsy’ Cruz set a super course. Right from the start she combined turns with forward distances, then halfway through riders had to collect to the triple combination, the cause of quite a few rails on course. “The questions begin with going forward, an option seven or eight in the first line. Then a narrow jump to a forward four and a wide triple bar, when they need to come back for the triple combination and the short distance to the tall plank, all the horses are forward at this point. Then the wide oxer to the liverpool backs off the horses, ” explained Cruz of her track. Her first time designing in coastal California, Cruz commented with a smile “The field is good with good footing. I would like to return, for certain. I hope they want me back.”

With post victory exuberance, Hutchison spoke proudly of her sponsors. “My most prized possession is my beautiful new Allon huntcoat, it even has my name in it. I have on my Der Dau boots. Cantano wore his Fleeceworks pad and his EquiFit boots, which he loves. I truly appreciate and send all a big thanks to all the sponsors.” She also noted, “We’ve all been counting on a win for the USA. I thought I was slow but the jumps were still up and that was good.” Shaving just over 2.6 seconds off the fastest time, and not to be beaten by those who followed, Hutchison and her partner Cantano earned their win.

Blenheim EquiSports continues the competition over the next two weeks in San Juan Capistrano with the Blenheim Summer Classic I and II beginning on August 10th. Highlights include the $25,000 Blenheim Summer Classic Grand Prix, the USEF West Coast Junior Hunter Finals, the CPHA Junior and Amateur Medal Finals and the $35,000 Blenheim Summer Classic II Grand Prix, presented by EquiFit, inc. Check www.showpark.com for details.