Jessica Gleason says that Source Code exceeds her expectations every time out, and the 8-year-old gelding did it again on Friday, January 10, winning the $5,000 Interactive Mortgage 10 & Under Futurity Series for Desert Circuit 1.
Gleason and Source Code were one of 11 entries to jump the first-round, Cedric Longis-designed course without fault, but not one of those 10 other clear entries could catch Source Code in the jump-off.
Jessica Gleason and Source Code. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The Dutch Warmblood, owned by Gleason, raced through the finish in 37.967 seconds to take home the win, while second place with a time of 38.911 seconds went to Savannah Jenkins and Drumiller Pin Up, owned by Julia Thyssen. Third place went to Justin Prather who rode Mulan BF, owned by Bradon Equestrian LTD, to a time of 39.190 seconds.
“I thought [the course] was great,” said Gleason. “I was indecisive about an inside turn. I decided not to do it, and I’m really happy I didn’t because I could just keep my speed. [Source Code] was just sighting in on the jumps, everything I pointed him at. I couldn’t be more proud of him as an 8-year-old to just come step around.”
Gleason has had Source Code for the past two years and has been carefully bringing the gelding along since then. This Desert Circuit, she has her sights set on continuing to develop Source Code and competing the horse in a grand prix or two before the season is out.
Jessica Gleason and Source Code. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I’d stepped down my grand prix horse, so we bought him to bring along,” explained Gleason. “He is the sweetest, kindest, most generous, honest, brave boy out there. We love him. He’s a barn favorite. He’s so spoiled, and he loves his job. He gets better and better every day. I would say he likes a more forward ride, which is more my style. I like to go fast. We are kind of a match made in heaven. If he’s a little slow, he’s like, ‘Meh, why bother trying?’ But when he has a little impulsion, he’s like, ‘Let’s go! Game on!’”
Click here to see complete results of the $5,000 Interactive Mortgage 10 & Under Futurity Series held during Desert Circuit 1.