Jose Maria Quintana Gets His First Grand Prix Victory at Blenheim Summer Classic
Jose Maria Quintana and Catoki Boy. Photo by McCool Photography
San Juan Capistrano, CA – August 20, 2022 – Jose Maria Quintana and Catoki Boy led the field from beginning to end in the $25,000 Blenheim Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by Talacho’s Sales, marking Quintana’s very first grand prix victory.
“It’s a special day for me,” said Quintana, 20. “It’s my first grand prix win ever. It feels amazing. When you’re the first to go, you don’t have the chance to see all the riders, so I just followed my plan, and it worked out in the end.”
Quintana and his own Catoki Boy showed the way over the first-round course, and they were ultimately one of only four combinations to navigate the track without fault to advance to jump-off in the Oaks International Grand Prix Field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.
Jose Maria Quintana was presented as the winner of the $25,000 Blenheim Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by Talacho’s Sales. Photo by McCool Photography
As the first to return, Quintana again showed how it was done, stopping the clock in a clear 39.193 seconds. With each of the three additional returners falling victim to one rail apiece, the win was secured for Quintana. Second place with four faults in a time of 35.904 seconds went to Cassio Rivetti and Chattanooga, and third place was awarded to Elisa Broz who finished with four faults in 38.436 seconds aboard Kardenta van’t Meerhof.
Quintana and his family purchased Catoki Boy, a 12-year-old Holsteiner, when the stallion was 7, and, following two and a half years away from the show ring, Catoki Boy is now making his return to competition.
“At the beginning [when we first got him], we struggled a little bit,” explained Quintana, who rides for Mexico and who is currently attending college in San Diego. “With some work and everything, we started to get along pretty well… We are back this year, and I couldn’t be happier with his return.”
For their victory, Quintana was presented with a Blenheim EquiSports coolerette, a $50 Top Line Design Ribbon Wreaths gift certificate, a Mr. Shady face covering, and an $80 Riderzon gift certificate.
Jose Maria Quintana and Catoki Boy. Photo by McCool Photography
Earlier in the week, Quintana also earned another headline jumper victory, topping Thursday’s $10,000 Markel Insurance 1.35m Jumper Classic aboard Vivalunaika Blue.
After besting a competitive field of 36 entries, and a 17-horse jump-off, Quintana and Vivalunaika Blue, owned by Salvador Alvarado, were presented with an $80 Riderzon gift certificate. As the winning owner, Alvarado was awarded a Blenheim EquiSports tack room pillow.
Jose Maria Quintana and Vivalunaika Blue topped the $10,000 Markel Insurance 1.35m Jumper Classic. Photo by McCool Photography
For full results of Saturday’s $25,000 Blenheim Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by Talacho’s Sales, and Thursday’s $10,000 Markel Insurance 1.35m Jumper Classic, visit blenheim.showgroundslive.com.
Saturday’s class was generously supported by Talacho’s Sales. Talacho’s Sales was created by two lifelong equestrians and business owners who share their deep passion for and knowledge of the sport. The result is the production of luxury, high-end jumps and accessories that meet every aspect of one’s training and showing needs. Talacho’s Sales delivers jumps and stable equipment to facilities located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. To learn more, visit www.talachosales.com.
Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long. Find out more at ThePlaceToJump.com.