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Cohen and Ward Notch International Wins on Final Day of WEF Week 9

Samantha Cohen and Carmen. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 10, 2019 – Forty-five entries lined up for the chance to be named the winner of the $50,000 Griffis Residential Grand Prix CSI 2*. Of those 45, 10 went on to increase their chances by qualifying for the jump-off, and there were six double clear rounds.

The fastest of those was 18-year-old Samantha Cohen riding Carmen (a 12-year-old KWPN mare by Whitesnake x Corland), who stopped the timers in 37.56 seconds to take the victory as the first ones into the jump-off.

“I was first to go and nine were after me, with so many fast riders. I just wanted to go in and give it my best shot,” said Cohen of her jump-off ride. “She’s really quick around the turns, and she’s deceptively fast. She doesn’t ever look like she’s really running. I was really happy when I came out, but I was not sure it would hold.”

McLain Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl Speed to Victory in $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic

Out of 42 entries competing over a course set by Alan Wade of Ireland, 16 were clear to contest the jump-off. Riding out of the second position in the jump-off order, Olympic team gold medalist Ward and HH Gigi’s Girl put in a blazing fast time of 33.36 seconds that couldn’t be caught. There were seven double clear rounds in the class.

Coming closest was William Whitaker (GBR) on RMF Echo, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm LLC. They were clear in 34.51 seconds. Third place went to Erynn Ballard on Ilan Ferder’s Ceitasi, who had a time of 34.89 seconds.

“The jump-off was actually set up pretty nice for her; it was a good track for her strength,” said Ward of the 11-year-old KWPN mare by Vingino x Celano.

Julia McNerney Cracks the Code to Take Title of Champion for Equiline Adult Amateur Hunter Younger (Sec. B)

Competitors in the Adult Amateur Hunter Younger (Sec. B) lined up for competition on Sunday, March 10 in the Rost Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Nineteen horse-and-rider combinations later, Santa Monica, CA resident Julia McNerney was named the week’s champion aboard Crack.

The pair placed four points ahead of the week’s reserve champions after winning three of the five division classes and ending on a total of 30 overall points.

For full results, please visit pbiec.coth.com.

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