Tag Archives: Mario Deslauriers

Mario Deslauriers Dominates $73k Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 4* with Amsterdam 27

Mario Deslauriers and Amsterdam 27 ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – October 22, 2020 – Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Amsterdam 27 dominated the $73,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 4* at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC), clearing the jump-off track in 36.35 seconds to take the win. In reserve, Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) owned by Blue Star Investments, sped through the timers in 37.31 seconds, while Schuyler Riley (USA) completed the podium with the 2005 Selle Francais gelding (Elf d’Or x Calypso d’Herbiers), Robin de Ponthual, achieving the first clear short-course round of the day in 42.06 seconds for Katherine Gallagher & M. Michael Meller.

Deslauriers and the 2010 Holsteiner gelding (Catoki x Acord II) he owns in partnership with Luja LLC and Wishing Well Farm LLC were one of 89 entries to challenge the first round of the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) course design, with 12 pairs earning the opportunity to tour the jump-off course. In Deslauriers’ first visit to the venue since the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, he shared that he chose to spend three weeks at the venue because he knew it would be a “safe zone” and a quality facility:

“We’re trying to stay put at the same place, so we know everything is monitored well. The show here is doing a great job monitoring everything. We’re just happy to be out there competing. [My experience here] has been great, and people couldn’t be nicer. I think that we’re in a pretty safe zone here. It’s good for everyone!”

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Almighty Best the $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake CSI 4*

October 21, 2020 – Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Almighty left out strides across the board to claim a win in the $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake in Tryon Stadium, completing the speed phase in 26.98 seconds. Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Ceitasi, the 2010 Westphalian mare (Caretello B x Cavalier) owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, dashed to a reserve placing on a time of 27.75 seconds, while Tanner Korotkin (USA) and Deauville S, Castlewood Farm Inc.-owned 2006 Holsteiner gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Lux Z), stopped the timers in 27.87 seconds for third.

VanderVeen and the Bull Run Jumper Six LLC entry, the 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Caspar x Quidam De Revel), were one of 45 horse-and-rider pairs to challenge the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) layout, with 30 pairs continuing through the speed phase and 19 entries going double-clear. VanderVeen explained that she was able to leave a stride out in every line in order to take the win:

“Actually, when I walked it, I was a little bit unsure [of my plan], because the numbers for the leave-outs seemed very aggressive to me. He’s a bit of a slower-moving horse, so I didn’t feel like I would be competitive if I didn’t leave out the strides,” she elaborated. “In the first phase he felt amazing, so I decided to just go for it. I was able to leave our one stride in every line. He was amazing!”

Doug Payne and Quintessence Secure $6,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 4*

October 21, 2020 – Doug Payne (USA) and Quintessence, the 2011 Holsteiner gelding (Unknown x Unknown) owned by Jane Dudinsky, stopped the timers in 27.8 seconds to claim top honors in the $6,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 4* on Wednesday at TIEC. Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) and Shadowfax 111, the Starlight Farms 1 LLC entry and 2012 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Der Senaat 111 x Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve), completed the speed phase in 31.95 seconds for second-place honors in the class of 35 competitors, while Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) cleared the speed phase in 33.61 seconds to capture the yellow ribbon with Calle 67, the Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC-owned 2009 Westphalian gelding (Carell x Capitalist).

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Bromont Rider Going to Pan American Games in Lima

Lucy Deslauriers & Hester at the International Bromont.

Bromont, June 21, 2019 – Bromont rider Mario Deslauriers will represent Canada in the Jumper discipline at the Pan American Games which will be held in Lima, Peru starting on July 26.

Three Quebeckers for Canada
The Canadian teams in show jumping, eventing, and dressage will all include Quebec riders in their ranks at the Pan American Games. Mario Deslauriers will be on the jumping team, Colleen Loach on the eventing team, and Naima Moreira-Laliberté will be the fourth member on the dressage team.

Horses, a family affair
Mario Deslauriers will not be the only Deslauriers in Lima in a little over a month, as his daughter Lucy, who has accumulated riding successes, will be the reserve member on the National American this time around.

“I am extremely happy for my family and the passion for horses which unites us,” indicated Roger Deslauriers, the International Bromont General Manager. In fact, other than the talented riders in the family, both Deslauriers father and sons are all involved with horses; Patrice and Samuel Deslauriers will be present for the 44th edition of the International Bromont starting as soon as July 24, enough to make the family patriarch, who has spent his life to the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park and the events of all levels that take place there, very proud.

“Mario and Lucy will be with us for the first week, because the jumping events of the Pan American Games will only begin during the second week of the International Bromont. We will definitely be following the outcome from here,” admitted Roger Deslauriers. “They will have all our support.”

About International Bromont
International Bromont presents its 44th edition in the picturesque setting of the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, in the heart of the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships. For more information and details about the program, visit the web site at: www.internationalbromont.org.

Association équestre Centaure
T. 450-534-0787
communications@internationalbromont.org

Victory in $72k NetJets Grand Prix CSI 2* Goes to Mario Deslauriers and Amsterdam 27

Mario Deslauriers and Amsterdam 27. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL — January 19, 2019 — The “Saturday Night Lights” series continued on January 19 with the $72,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI 2* and Olympian Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Amsterdam 27 scoring a win under the lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in the second week of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

There were 45 entries in the grand prix, and eight were able to go clear over a course designed by Oscar Soberon of Mexico.

Brad Wolf Snags Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36+ Champion Title

Brad Wolf and 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship winner Private Practice took home the tricolor ribbon in the Palm Beach Equine Clinic Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36+ division during Week 2 of WEF.

After ribboning two firsts, two seconds, a seventh, and an eighth, the pair was asked to return for a “hack-off” with Becky Gochman and Mythical, with whom they were tied for champion. As both combinations took to the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Field one last time, Private Practice once again displayed winning form as a hunter and sealed the victory for himself and Wolf.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Louise Serio and Rock Harbor Capture Grand Hunter Championship at Old Salem Farm

Louise Serio and Rock Harbor. Photos by The Book LLC.

Mario Deslauriers and Cherrypop Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m

North Salem, New York – Louise Serio and Rock Harbor were named Grand Hunter Champions after dominating the High Performance Working Hunter Division on Wednesday during the first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running May 10-15 and May 17-22 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Highlighting jumper action on the Grand Prix Field, Mario Deslauriers of New York, NY and Cherrypop claimed the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m.

Serio and Rock Harbor, a nine-year-old chestnut Warmblood gelding owned by Jennifer Burger, started the High Performance Working Hunter Division on a high note on Tuesday with a win over fences and second place under saddle. They returned on Wednesday to win the final over fences class and the handy on scores of 89 and 87.

“He was really good yesterday, but he was spectacular today,” said Serio. “We’ve been together since he was a pre-green horse, so we know each other well. He has become so brave and fun – it’s really rewarding to have something you started at pre-green go to the high performance.”

While Rock Harbor has a clear connection with Serio in the competition ring, “Harry”, as he’s called around the barn, is a special horse for Burger.

“When he arrived at the barn the first time, I was out of town,” said Burger. “The girls that greeted him told me he needed a barn name and when I asked what he looked like, they told me he was handsome and his coloring was just like Prince Harry. So, Harry it was.”

Burger brought Rock Harbor into Serio’s string at Derbydown five years ago with intentions of having the horse move up the levels with her in the tack.

“When I get a horse, I love to do the whole thing, the pre-green with the goal always being to get to the four-foot level,” said Burger. “It doesn’t usually happen, but it’s so exciting when it does. This is extra special because Louise has taken him the whole way.”

When asked what it was like watching her horse in the ring this week, Burger responded, “Yesterday was fantastic, but that first round today was one of those rounds that happens maybe once out of a hundred trips and you wouldn’t change a thing.”

Over the past several years, Serio let Rock Harbor take his time and she always planned to let him decide whether he would keep moving up.

“We didn’t know what his ability was going to be as far as scope and stride, but he just keeps coming up with more and more,” she said. “He has a wonderful front end – his knees are always super high. His jumping style is beautiful, and he is actually better now as a high performance horse than he was over the lower jumps. He does it easily and is great at it.”

Reserve champion honors in the High Performance Hunter Division were presented to Sandy Ferrell and Imperial, owned by Stephanie Bulger. They earned fourth place under saddle and two second place ribbons over fences, as well as second over the handy course.

Mario Deslauriers Steps Cherrypop Up to Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m
Mario Deslauriers topped 45 challengers in Wednesday’s $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m to get The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows off to an impressive start for Cherrypop, a nine-year old Oldenburg mare owned by Wishing Well Farm, LLC. From the 26th position in the order, Deslauriers posted a double-clear effort in the immediate jump-off class and crossed the timers in 34.845 seconds for the win.

Mario Deslauriers and Cherrypop
Mario Deslauriers and Cherrypop

Deslauriers and Cherrypop just started their third year together with hopes to move up into international level competition in the near future.

“I brought her along slowly, and we’ve recently been stepping up to the 1.40-1.45m,” said Deslauriers. “She’s maturing now and ready to go win some classes. We may do some FEI classes next week and hopefully slowly catch up to the 1.50m.”

Wednesday’s competition marked Deslauriers and Cherrypop’s first time back in the ring after the winter show season, and it was a welcomed spring debut for both horse and rider.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air to show outside on a beautiful grass field,” said Deslauriers. “They keep [Old Salem Farm] pristine, and any rider enjoys coming here to show. They worked the footing so well after all the rain last week and she jumped great out there today.”

Deslauriers is at Old Salem Farm during The Spring Horse Shows with his entire barn and will train nearly 20 students competing in all three rings over the next two weeks.

Open Jumper competition continues with Thursday’s $10,000 1.40-1.45m on the Grand Prix Field, while the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion will be crowned in the Hunter Ring.

About the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Kent Farrington and Uceko Win $50,000 Lafarge Cup at Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington and Uceko. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Mario Deslauriers and Scout de la Cense Capture $34,000 Pepsi Challenge

Calgary, AB, Canada – July 3, 2015 – The ‘North American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows continued on Friday with two feature competitions hosted in the International Ring and a win for USA’s Kent Farrington and RCG Farm’s Uceko in the highlight $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m. Also competing on Friday, Mario Deslauriers took a big win in the $34,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m riding Lisa Deslauriers’ Scout de la Cense.

Continuing through Sunday, July 5, the ‘North American’ Tournament boasts $1.3 million in prize money across 14 FEI events throughout the week. Highlights include the $400,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday and the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday.

Watch highlights from Friday’s competition at Spruce Meadows.

Spain’s Santiago Varela continued a successful week of course building with the $50,000 Lafarge Cup Friday evening. The competition saw 33 entries, with seven in the jump-off and three double clear rounds.

Emanuel Andrade (VEN) set the pace with a clear track in 44.39 seconds to place third with his own Bon Jovi. Kent Farrington and Uceko were next to clear the short course in a blistering pace of 42.22 seconds to take the win. Eric Lamaze (CAN) did his best to catch the time with Artisan Farms LLC’s Fine Lady 5, but finished just off the mark in 42.35 seconds to finish seconds.

In a very fast jump-off, Farrington knew he had to lay it all on the line with Lamaze coming right behind and three more riders to follow.

“These classes, especially the ones that do not have the most entries, the ones that are good are not just good, they are usually great,” Farrington stated. “You have some of the best riders in the world, so it is very difficult to win a class here.”

“The horse is very brave,” Farrington said of Uceko. “He has quite a big step, so I think right from the beginning (of the jump-off), fence one to two on his rollback was already pretty aggressive. I did not watch the others, but I would probably guess that he did at least one, if not two less strides on that turn. Then across the middle of the field he also makes up a lot of ground because his stride is so long. I would say those are two places in particular I think he always gets a little bit ahead of the other horses.”

Uceko, a Dutch Warmblood gelding (Celano x Koriander), is 14 years old and Farrington has been careful to manage his schedule and choose the appropriate venues to compete in.

“I think that part of being a top rider is also being a top manager of the horses that you have,” Farrington noted. “As he gets older, I try to pick the venues where I think he can shine and give him rests where I do not think he is as competitive. I gave him a big break. I hardly ever show him in Florida, and I usually gear him up here and then take him to Europe the rest of the summer.”

Speaking of the success that Uceko has had at Spruce Meadows and why the horse excels in this particular venue, Farrington explained, “The jumps are very big here and really impressive, and that suits the horse because he can get a little casual. He is not a naturally fast horse actually; he is a bit slow, so a big field makes him competitive because I can use the length of his stride and turn really short to make him fast out here.”

“He has learned to be very fast,” Farrington continued. “Over the years he has learned to turn shorter to the fences and watch for them. With his experience, he knows when I open him up on the field that the jumps are going to come up fast, so he starts anticipating the fences and he starts looking for them himself, which over time has made him super competitive.”

Deslauriers Leads Pepsi Challenge

A total of 76 entries jumped the first round of the $34,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m on Friday, with 19 qualifying for the jump-off and 17 continuing on. The short course saw only five double clear rounds in a very fast race against the clock that put Mario Deslauriers (USA) in the winner’s circle.

Eduardo Menezes (BRA) set the challenging pace in 43.53 seconds aboard his mare, Catalina, and held the top spot through most of the jump-off. It was Deslauriers, however, who stole the lead for his first win in the International Ring since 2012. He completed the fastest clear round in a time of 42.35 seconds riding Lisa Deslauriers’ Scout de la Cense. Nicola Philippaerts placed third in 44.66 seconds with Ludo Philippaerts’ H&M Harley vd Bisschop.

Mario Deslauriers and Scout de la Cense
Mario Deslauriers and Scout de la Cense

Originally from Quebec, Deslauriers switched to U.S. citizenship six years ago. Regardless of nationality, a win at Spruce Meadows was still very special to the rider.

“This place has come such a long way; it is amazing. I came here when I was 14 the first time,” he noted. “It is always a good feeling (to win here). We have had several young horses the last few years while trying to rebuild our team. We skipped Spruce the last two years and now I am here with my daughter that is 15 and also showed in this competition today. My wife is also here riding. It is fun to be here with the whole family.”

During the ‘National’ Tournament’s Omega Alpha Cup in June, it was Menezes who won and Deslauriers who finished second in a two-horse jump-off in the All Canada Ring with Catalina and Scout de la Cense, but this time Deslauriers made sure he was faster.

“It was the same horses, but Eduardo beat me by four seconds!” Deslauriers detailed. “I said, ‘Where did you go?’ I thought I went pretty fast, but the All Canada Ring is a bit of a slope. This field is flatter and I really went today. The other day in All Canada I went, but not like this. Today, I really went for it.”

“It was a good track for me,” Deslauriers explained. “My horse is 17.2 hands and he has a very big step, so I knew I could do all the strides. If I got the turn right at the wall, I knew there were seven strides there for me and also seven strides to the last jump. Everybody else was doing eight and eight, and they were all slipping around the wall, but mine did not slip. I got a great turn and he did the job today. I knew I hit every fence right. I was really pushing everywhere. I knew I did not leave too much out there.”

Nine-year-old Scout de la Cense is a Selle Francais gelding by Easy Boy x Crazyhorse of Coco. He is one of several promising young horses that Deslauriers is developing, and the rider was happy to get a big win with the horse, especially at Spruce Meadows.

“It is one of the only places in the world that you come for a summer tour and it is really exciting when you come in the ring, even if there are not that many people,” he stated. “It is a great place to show. I have won here when there were 50,000 people, and you still have that in the back of your mind. It is always good. For show jumping, it is one of the best places in the world.”

The ‘North American’ Tournament continues on Saturday featuring the $400,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup as well as the $85,000 TD Cup.

For a complete tournament schedule and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
caroline.weilinger@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
sprucemeadows.com

Hunter’s Moon Farm Welcomes Olympian Mario Deslauriers

Photo By: Parker/Russell – The Book LLC.

East Norwich, NY – March 27, 2013 – Hunter’s Moon Farm is pleased to announce that Olympian Mario Deslauriers will be joining its full service hunter/jumper facility in April of 2013, alongside current trainers Pamela Polk and Kevin Kirk. Located only 28 miles from New York City on Long Island’s prestigious Gold Coast, Hunter’s Moon Farm is a 60-acre facility offering top notch training and boarding services for riders of all levels. Deslauriers is one of the world’s top riders and trainers, having won the 1984 World Cup Finals at just 19 years old.

Deslauriers is originally from Bromont, Quebec, and began riding at a young age with his father, Roger. During the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Deslauriers was part of a three-way jump-off for the individual bronze medal. He has competed in over 100 FEI World Cup Qualifying competitions, and as a two-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion, Deslauriers has represented Canada at every major international event. After changing his citizenship, Deslauriers represented the United States at the 2010 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“We are thrilled to have Mario training at Hunter’s Moon Farm,” noted manager Jennifer Griffin. “I have known Mario for many years, as we are both originally from Canada, so it is familiar and comfortable from the start. He and his family have made their life in New York City and Long Island, so the location of Hunter’s Moon is convenient for them, and overall it’s a great fit for everybody.”

Deslauriers is also excited about the new partnership and is looking forward to a bright future. “We had been thinking about this for a while, and when I came in contact with Jennifer, I thought it was a great idea for us to team up,” he expressed. “I think Hunter’s Moon Farm has a great facility and it’s a great location, so we are very excited.”

“Right now, we are focused on letting people know about the change, as well as finding some new horses and getting some new clients and establishing a new relationship at Hunter’s Moon Farm,” continued Deslauriers. “We are enthusiastic about moving to Hunter’s Moon Farm and beginning to train and develop new horses.”

Hunter’s Moon Farm and trainers Deslauriers, Polk, and Kirk plan on welcoming their spring clients with an active 2013 show season and expect to attend prestigious events such as the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows, the Lake Placid Horse Shows, and the Hampton Classic.

The private facility at Hunter’s Moon Farm features a state-of-the-art stable with updated stabling and individualized turnout. There is a large outdoor ring with show quality jumps and Travel Right footing. Hunter’s Moon Farm also has direct access to the Muttontown Preserve with miles of trails. This pristine facility offers the best care and training possible for horses and riders.

For more information about Hunter’s Moon Farm, please visit http://www.huntersmoonfarm.com/ or email Jennifer Griffin at jen.griffin@huntersmoonfarm.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Kent Farrington and Blue Angel Triumph in $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel. Photo © Sportfot.

Mario Deslauriers and Ardeche van de Zelm Win $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic; ASPCA Maclay Awards Two Sections

Wellington, FL, March 3, 2013 – Week eight of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by G&C Farm, concluded on Sunday afternoon with an exciting victory for Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel in the $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). In an 11-horse jump-off, Farrington and Blue Angel were 1/100th of a second faster than Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ who finished second. Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne, owned by Ariel and Susan Grange, placed third.

Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY, was the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for the week. In Sunday’s feature class, 53 entries showed and eleven went clear to advance to the jump-off. In the second round, six cleared the short course without fault, and it was a race to the finish as the times got faster and faster.

Charlie Jayne (USA) and Chill RZ, owned by Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher, showed the way to a clear round in the jump-off and eventually placed sixth with their time of 41.02 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) and Grant Road Partners’ Antares F went next and improved on that time in 38.83 seconds to place fourth. Germany’s Janne Friederike Meyer and Cellagon Lambrasco, owned by Meyer, Friedrich and Anne Sophie, were just 2/100ths of a second slower in 38.85 seconds to take the fifth place prize.

Conor Swail and Lansdowne went next and put on quite a show as they stopped the clock in 38.57 seconds to eventually place third. Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ upped the ante once more as they completed their round in 38.25 seconds. Just when it seemed like Madden might not be beat, Kent Farrington and Blue Angel raced through the timers in 38.24 seconds, just 1/100th of a second faster, to grab the top spot.

Watch an interview with winning rider Kent Farrington
Watch an interview with winning rider Kent Farrington

Farrington’s winning mount, Blue Angel, is an eleven-year-old Anglo European mare by Luidam x Ascendant. Farrington just started riding her in Wellington this winter and as he put it, the pair “sort of jumped into the deep end of the pool,” going for the big classes right away.

“We did the 1.30m, 1.40m, and then we were off and running,” Farrington stated. “Winning with her gives me confidence in what I’ve been doing. I want to continue to try to grow with the horse and really get her into my system and get to know her better.”

“She is a special horse that’s actually the type of horse I grew up riding, more Thoroughbred-type,” Farrington described. “We had a lot of horses off the racetrack and I used to race ponies as a kid, so I’m used to riding really hot, small horses like that. That’s sort of right up my alley.”

In their short time together, Farrington and Blue Angel have had several top finishes, including a second place in this week’s $43,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8.

“I haven’t ridden it that long, but it’s naturally a fast horse,” Farrington point out. “I have actually practiced a few jump-offs in here. We have come close to winning a few classes – the WEF on Thursday was a speed round and she was second. McLain (Ward) won with a spectacular round that was unbeatable. Today was our day and we got a little redemption.”

Commenting on Sunday’s course, Farrington remarked, “I didn’t think there would be as many clear as there were, but I think that shows the strength of the field today.”

Farrington and second place finisher Beezie Madden are fresh off a win for Team USA in Friday night’s $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm. Madden and her mount Cortes ‘C’ have had a great season, also including a win in the $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm during week six.

Madden agreed with Farrington’s comment on Sunday’s class. “I thought it was a good course,” she stated. “In a class like this I would prefer a few less clean, but I thought it tested carefulness and scope and a little bravery at the end with the [brush] box going into the triple [combination]. I think he had a really good feel for the horses. A lot of the riders had their top horses in today, so it makes for some very good jumping.”

Madden commented on her round in the jump-off, explaining, “I saw Conor go before me, so I knew it was very, very fast. I was just trying to use my horse’s big stride. I could set off right through the timers fast; I could trust him to jump the first fence clean and just gallop to that, and hope to be really fast to the second fence. I think I eased up a bit to the fifth fence, the oxer. I think I pretty much matched Kent everywhere else. It’s hard to say where you lost a hundredth of a second.”

Third place finisher, Conor Swail, had a great round with Lansdowne but knew he had some fast riders still to come.

“I certainly didn’t think I had it, but I was very happy to go into the lead,” he noted. “Lansdowne is a fantastic horse. He’s now 10 years old and he has jumped a few of these bigger classes. He knows what to do with himself now. I was delighted. I think the top four riders, those rounds would win most grand prixs. It was crazy.”

With a world-class line-up, Sunday’s class certainly proved the talent of the horses and riders in the jump-off. Swail was happy to be a part of the action.

“It’s nice to ride with these guys and be competitive with them,” he acknowledged. “You learn a lot by being in this company. By riding with the best, it’s how we get better. We all enjoy the competition. Any one of us could win each particular day. We never think we cannot win. We want to be on the top.”

Mario Deslauriers and Ardeche van de Zelm Win $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Mario Deslauriers and Ardeche van de Zelm. Photo © Sportfot
Mario Deslauriers and Ardeche van de Zelm. Photo © Sportfot

Earlier in the day on Sunday, Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Ardeche van de Zelm, owned by Mario’s wife Lisa Deslauriers, topped the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. In a class of 41 entries, seven cleared the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and Deslauriers and ‘Ardeche’ completed the only double clear round in a time of 34.87 seconds to earn the victory.

Ardeche is a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Gran Corrado x Darco. After his win on Sunday, Deslauriers explained, “Ardeche is a horse that my wife Lisa rides also, that we have had for several years. It is a great horse. We were having some bad luck with his health for a little while, but we always try to bring him back because we know he is so good and he proved it today. He just had a couple of classes for practice and then he can just go in here and do what he does. He is exceptional.”

“He has won the Queen’s Cup; he has won several grand prixs. We just had a lot of bad luck with him, but touch wood, we keep hoping,” Deslauriers added. “With a horse like that it makes it easy for the rider because you just have to be in range. He is so special and he is just a show horse. He gets in the arena and he hears the bell and he has already picked up the canter. He is very smart and it is just a real joy to ride him.”

Laura Kraut (USA) and A. Lebon’s Jubilee d’Ouilly finished second with four faults in 33.43 seconds. Alonso Valdez Prado (PER) and Quick du Pottier were third with four faults in 34.90 seconds. Daniel Deusser (GER) and Stephex Stables’ Evita van de Veldbalie had four faults in 34.93 seconds. Kraut also took fifth place honors with the Evita Group’s Nouvelle with four faults in 35.51 seconds.

Victoria Colvin and Charlotte Jacobs Put In Blue Ribbon Performances in ASPCA Maclay Sections

The ASPCA Maclay class was split into two sections after entries swelled to over sixty riders during week eight of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Victoria Colvin finished first in Section A, presented by Sidelines Magazine, aboard Asparagus, a 19-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Missy Clark. Caitlin Boyle and her horse Loredo were second followed by Jack Morgan’s third place finish aboard Allison Haupt’s Vangoch.

Charlotte Jacobs rode Catherine Tyree’s Patrick to first place in Section B, presented by Alessandro Albanese. Gabrielle Bausano was second to Jacobs with her own Calito 7. The top three was rounded out by Lucille Green and her horse Accord.

Victoria Colvin and Asparagus. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Victoria Colvin and Asparagus. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, barely had time to prepare for her winning round after quickly hopping on Asparagus following her rounds that morning in the jumper ring. “I didn’t even have the chance to walk,” Colvin admitted. “I just got here and went in and rode the course, and it went pretty well,” she smiled.

Not surprisingly, the ever-humble Colvin gave the credit to her experienced mount, Asparagus. “I’ve shown him only a few times at WEF and he’s just perfect!” Colvin described. “He’s done everything so he never sets a foot wrong. He just keeps his head still and has a nice jump that won’t pop you out of the tack.”

A challenging combination that riders were asked to do was a figure-eight through jumps set up with hay bales and it proved too daunting for many riders, however Colvin welcomed the challenge. “I liked the ‘hay bale’ combination because it had so much turning, which I always enjoy,” Colvin commented.

Jacobs, of East Aurora, NY, and Patrick also had no problem navigating the challenging course, designed by Skip Bailey. “The course was fun. I like that there were a lot of natural obstacles included. It’s a different experience,” Jacobs described.

“All of the horses were a little fresh with the weather being a little cold and windy, and Patrick had two weeks off before this,” Jacobs continued. “He was a little bit fresh, but I like that.”

Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Jacobs is leasing Patrick from barn mate Catherine Tyree, who aged out of junior divisions last year. “He’s been amazing. He’s a lot like my other equitation horse, Stallone VDL, so we clicked pretty much right away. We work really well together,” Jacobs explained.

“Patrick is just perfect. I love him and he’s so much fun to ride. He has the best canter and is just a very nice horse,” Jacobs concluded.

Both Jacobs and Colvin have their eye on ASPCA Maclay Finals in November. Jacobs and Colvin have already accumulated enough points to qualify and look forward to competing in one of the country’s most prestigious equitation competitions.

Sunday’s class concluded hunter and equitation competition for week eight of the FTI WEF, sponsored by G&C Farm. Week nine of competition will run March 6-10, 2013, and is sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Deslauriers and Urico Win in the Rain, Claim Top Honors in the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix

Mario Deslauriers and Urico (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Lexington, KY – The second of four 2012 US Show Jumping Team Observation Events came to a close Sunday afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park. With 16 entries contesting the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, which served as the second class of the Observation Event held in conjunction with the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Grey skies and rain could not deter the 14 members of the USEF Long List for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games from showcasing their talents over Richard Jeffrey’s 14 obstacle course.

In the first round of competition four combinations, all from the long list, were able to produce faultless efforts and qualify for the jump-off.

In the jump-off, Mario Deslauriers and Urico were untouchable as they cruised to a fault free effort in a time of 35.15 seconds and claimed top honors in the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix.

Continue reading Deslauriers and Urico Win in the Rain, Claim Top Honors in the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix

Mario Deslauriers & Urico Win $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Mario Deslauriers and Urico won the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 13, 2012 – Rain plagued the Kentucky Horse Park throughout the day at the Kentucky Spring Classic, but it did not stop the country’s top competitors as they entered the Rolex Stadium for the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. As the second U.S. Show Jumping Team Observation Event during the show, today’s grand prix event featured a challenging scope test, which only three Olympic hopefuls were able to master. Mario Deslauriers piloted Urico to the fastest clear jump-off to claim the victory, while 17-year-old Reed Kessler placed second aboard Mika with the other fault free round. Beezie Madden also advanced to the short course with both Simon and Cortes ‘C’, but placed third and fourth, respectively, after earning four faults with each.

The first round of Richard Jeffery’s demanding track included to wide oxers in the first line, followed by an even larger triple bar. There was also an open water to an airy vertical-vertical double combination. Riders then headed away from home through an oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination and finished over a long line with two liverpools. Eight of today’s 16 entries managed to complete the course with just four faults to their name, attesting to the level of the competitors in the ring. Four horses left every rail in the cups and advanced to the short course.

Continue reading Mario Deslauriers & Urico Win $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Mario Deslauriers and Cella Capture 2012 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational

Mario Deslauriers produced a blazing fast double-clear effort with Cella to win the 2012 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational. Photo By: V. Valenti/The Book LLC

Tampa, FL – April 7, 2012 – It was a night of nail-biting excitement as 32 of the nation’s top riders went head-to-head in the 2012 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G & C Farm at Raymond James Stadium. It was with speed and accuracy that Mario Deslauriers was able to triumph tonight with Cella during a five-horse jump-off. They raced through the finish line in 44.50 seconds after completing a clear short course during the Molly Ashe-Cawley posted a speedy time aboard Carissimo, leaving all rails in their cups and capturing the second place prize in 45.81 seconds. Beezie Madden was the third of the double-clear efforts, but her time of 46.31 seconds proved too conservative, taking the third place honors for the evening’s event.

2008 Olympic course designer Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL, designed tonight’s demanding course. The thirteen numbered obstacles featured a vertical-oxer double combination, a long oxer-vertical-oxer combination, a colonnade wall, Stephen’s signature bicycle vertical, a skinny horseshoe vertical and a liverpool. The most difficult obstacle proved to be the bicycle vertical, resulting in thirteen pairs knocking the top rail to the ground.

Continue reading Mario Deslauriers and Cella Capture 2012 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational