Katie Laurie and Boom Rocket to the Top of the Leaderboard in $15,000 CSI4*-W 1.35m Blenheim EquiSports “Royal Flush” Jump-Off Classic, Presented by Markel Insurance
Las Vegas, NV – Katie Laurie and Boom rocketed to their second win of the week at the Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, this time capturing the victory in Thursday afternoon’s $15,000 CSI4*-W 1.35m Blenheim EquiSports “Royal Flush” Jump-Off Classic, presented by Markel Insurance.
With a win on Tuesday – and nine years together – already under their belts, Laurie and Boom confidently returned to the ring at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa with their sights again set on topping the 28-horse field.
The duo was one of 13 combinations to traverse the first-round, Olaf Petersen Jr.-designed course without fault, giving Laurie the opportunity to leverage Boom’s natural foot speed in what became a hotly contested race against the clock.
Katie Laurie was joined in her winning presentation by Brandon Seger and Josh Mullins of Markel Insurance and Alexandra Zulia and Nani Luebke of Blenheim Equisports. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Skylar Wireman and Chirolito Z were the first pair to return for the jump-off, and they set the time to beat at a quick 38.61 seconds. However, that time would hold up for just two additional riders, as Laurie and Boom returned fourth to narrowly edge Wireman out of the top spot with a time of 38.34 seconds.
Wireman and Chirolito Z would ultimately finish in third place, while Jamie Taylor and Quatar, owned by JT Equine LLC, just barely missed out on the win, taking second place with a time of 38.34 seconds.
“I felt like, when I came out of the ring, I had done everything that I can,” said Laurie, who rides for Australia. “When I used to do jump offs, I used to never count so many corner strides and stuff. Then, I’ve noticed over here, so many people count every stride, so I’ve started doing that a lot more. It helps in classes like that where one extra stride somewhere would have made you too slow.”
Katie Laurie and Boom. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Laurie not only bred her winning mount, Boom, she also competed the 9-year-old New Zealand warmblood mare’s dam, Daffodil, and Boom has been a treasured part of the family since day one.
“We all love her; she’s so kind and nice and gentle,” said Laurie of the mare affectionately nicknamed “Angel.” “It makes it extra special.”
For the win, Laurie received an Ethel M Chocolates Premium Chocolate Gift Basket, an Ogilvy saddle pad, a Blenheim EquiSports coolerette, a Topline Design Ribbon Wreaths custom picture frame and gift certificate and horse treats, courtesy of Horseflight.
For full results of the $15,000 CSI4*-W 1.35m Blenheim EquiSports “Royal Flush” Jump-Off Classic, presented by Markel Insurance, click here.
Markel remains committed to the horse industry with more than 50 years of experience providing insurance solutions for horse owners and horse-related businesses. To learn more about Markel’s comprehensive coverage for your horse and farm, visit www.markelinsurance.com/horse-and-farm or www.lisasegerinsurance.com.
Katie Laurie and Boom. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
The Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, featuring the Marshall & Sterling Insurance / USHJA National Championships, continues through Sunday, November 19, with the featured $226,000 Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Las Vegas, taking center stage on Saturday evening, November 18. Admission is free for all events, with the exception of Saturday night, with tickets available for purchase here.
While at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, competitors and guests are encouraged to also join in the Formula 1 Las Vegas fun, with a Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Viewing Party being held in the Showroom at South Point on Saturday evening following the conclusion of the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Las Vegas.
Learn more about the Las Vegas National CSI4*-W at TheLasVegasNational.com.