Can't Catch Coxe in $15,000 Friends of Fairfield Grand Prix

Isabel Coxe and Alicia Santa Rosa. All photos by SEL Photography

It didn't take long to realize that the jump-off would be quick in Saturday's $15,000 Friends of Fairfield Grand Prix. Eight combinations advanced to the jump-off of Chris Jones' (CAN) course, but ultimately no one could catch Isabel Coxe (USA) and Alicia Santa Rosa in the premier class of the 102nd Fairfield June Horse Show.

The winning pair blazed their way to a final time of 40.107 seconds—more than two seconds ahead of runners-up Madison Myro (USA) and H5 Jaipur 22 (42.329s). Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Apardi's Gem finished third (43.299).

Before going in for her jump-off, Coxe was approached by Bluman with a few words of encouragement. She channeled that positive energy into her round.

"They wanted me to really put in effort and give it a try," Coxe shared. "Daniel said, 'Every time we try to win in this sport, we still sometimes end up losing, so you can't aim to lose. You've got to aim to win.'"

As Coxe executed her plan, she was able to have full trust in her partner. She's leased the 12-year-old Mexican-bred mare, owned by Patricio Pasquel (MEX), for the last two years.

"Pasquel has had a lot of success with the horse, and she's been a really great partner for me for a long time. It's very confidence-inducing," she said. 

With a summer of international competition on her schedule, Coxe and her team took advantage of a competitive opportunity on the grass so close to home. The decision proved to be the right one, as Coxe made her Fairfield debut a winning one.

"I've done a couple summers at Spruce Meadows, especially with this horse, so this is a really fantastic venue and great grass to have in our backyard. I really love it," Coxe reflected. 

"I've really enjoyed the atmosphere of the show," she added. "It's really based on camaraderie: Everyone's super supportive of each other, and it builds you up a bit."

Isabel Coxe and Alicia Santa Rosa stand for presentation.

Runners-up Madison Myro and H5 Jaipur 22 (pictured left); third-placed Daniel Bluman and Apardi's Gem (right)