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FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Brilliant Win for Brazil, While Austria Snatches Last Qualifying Spot for Furusiyya Final

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(L to R) Carlo Bernardini, Bruno Quadrelli and Riccardo Boricchi from CSIO 3* San Marino Arezzo Organising Committee, Brazilian team members Rodrigo Pessoa and Alvaro de Miranda, Chef d’Equipe Jean-Maurice Bonneau, team members Marlon Zanotelli and Eduardo Menezes, FEI Jumping Director John Roche and Lazzaro Volpinari, President San Marino Equestrian Federation. Photo: FEI/Stefano Secchi.

Arezzo (ITA), 6 September 2013 – The last qualifying leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup 2013 series certainly lived up to expectations with thrills, spills and a gripping battle before Brazil won through and Austria clinched the only remaining qualifying spot for the series Final.  France and Switzerland shared second place ahead of a courageous British side who didn’t have the easiest of days.  But for the host nation it was an emotional afternoon as they went into the second round jointly in the lead, but lost their chance in the very closing stages to finish fifth.

There were two separate plots unfolding throughout the competition.  The first was the battle for supremacy on the day, and the second was the battle for that tantalising last remaining place available to just one team from the Europe Division 2 league at the inaugural Furusiyya Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in two weeks’ time.  Austria, Italy and Poland all started today with a chance of making it to sunny Spain, and with the greatest number of points as today’s competition began, their sixth-place finishing spot would ensure it was the Austrians who would make the cut.

Thriller

Clever course-building set the stage for a thriller from start to finish.  As course designer, Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, said afterwards, it wasn’t easy to find the right balance for riders and horses with such a wide range of experience.  Some were making their Nations Cup debut while others were very seasoned campaigners.  The course tested them all however, and Sweden’s day started with a big surprise when Rolf-Goran Bengtsson’s 10-year-old stallion, Clarimo ASK, declined to go any further than the first fence in the opening round.  To the crowd’s amazement the very handsome grey horse stopped halfway between the opening vertical and the following triple bar, possibly having taken a dislike to the nearby lake which is one of a number of derby-course features in Arezzo’s lovely Boccaccio Arena.

The vertical at fence three stood a full 1.60m tall and a right-hand turn then brought them down to the oxer at four and the following triple combination with a one-stride distance between each element at fence five.  From there it was left-handed to the red oxer at six and a roll-back to the open water at seven.  It was here that the opening round for Britain’s last-line partnership of Matthew Sampson and Lennox Luis came to an end.  The grey gelding refused to go down to the water and when Sampson tried to encourage him the horse was having none of it and the rider ended up on the floor.

Vezzani set them the traditional test of accuracy after the open water with two fences on a snaking line.  The first was a not-inconsiderable oxer, 150m x 150m, and then a gate of narrow white planks that headed towards the arena entrance.  Time and again horses ran strongly to the oxer and riders couldn’t gather them up enough to adjust their angle in order to meet the white planks on a good stride.  This proved the bogey fence of the day.

Influential

The following double, oxer to vertical, also proved influential when horses were distracted by passing the entrance, while the penultimate oxer was followed by a right-hand turn down the side of the arena to the final water-tray vertical.  A number of riders made it all the way there only to make a last-minute mistake.

Ireland’s day got off to a bad start when Capt Michael Kelly’s Drumiller Lough pulled up very lame after stopping at the second element of the triple combination.  There was relief all round however when his Irish army groom quickly spotted that the front shoe had slipped back so that the horse then stood on the clip.  Once the shoe was removed the 10-year-old gelding left the arena feeling a lot better.  But this didn’t help Irish chances and when they were drawn level with Colombia on 12 faults at the end of the first round they lost out on a place in round two by just 0.83 seconds.

Belgium, Poland and The Netherlands also sat it out during the second round when just eight of the 12 starting nations returned, with Italy, France and Brazil holding sway at the top of the order when each carrying four faults and Austria, Switzerland and Sweden just a fence behind carrying eight.  The British returned carrying nine ahead of Colombia with 12.

Gargantuan Battle

And it turned into a gargantuan battle between the leading teams, with a great start for the host nation when Luca Maria Moneta and Neptune Brecourt went clear to match the second-round effort of Brazilian openers, Rodrigo Pessoa and Citizenguard Cadjanine Z.

The French began to slip with a double-error from David Jobertie and Quastor de la Vallee, and four faults from each of the remaining team members saw them adding 12 to their tally which seemed likely to leave them well out of the reckoning on a final score of 16 alongside the Swiss. But there was a lot more excitement to be played out.

It was still neck-and-neck between Brazil and Italy, Eduardo Menezes, making his Nations Cup debut for Brazil, lowering only the vertical at fence three with Calavda before Italy’s Filippo Moyersoen and Loro Piana Canada hit the second element of the double at 10. But Roberto Turchetto and Baretto got into a muddle at the third fence and also hit the troublesome vertical at nine to return with a total of 10 faults including time which left the Italians very vulnerable.  And when Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje hit only the final fence and then Marlon Zanotelli delivered the second part of the only double-clear performance of the day with Clouwni it was clear that Brazil would finish with a total of just eight faults.

Now it was left to Italian veteran, Juan Carlos Garcia, to save the day and force a jump-off by going clear.  But the home crowd groaned as Prince de la Mare hit the second element of the triple combination, the oxer at six and the second element of the double at ten for a total of 12 faults which proved the second-round discard. The Italian finishing score of 14 would only be good enough for fifth place and suddenly their hopes of getting to the Furusiyya Final were gone.

Steadier Day

Austria enjoyed a much steadier day, adding four-fault scores from Dieter Kofler (Glock’s Prince de Vaux), Julia Kayser (Sterrehof’s Ushi) and Stefan Eder (Chilli van Dijk NRW) and therefore discarding the 17 collected by Astrid Kneifel (Royal des Bisson) to complete alongside the Swedes on a 20-fault final scoreline. And Chef d’Equipe Thomas Istinger’s side are now on the road to Barcelona along with Sweden and Belgium from the Europe Division 2 league.

Italy’s plunge down the order saw the French and Swiss rise to joint-runner-up spot with their 16 faults apiece while the British finished a very close fourth with 17 at the end of the day despite finishing with only three team scores after a second elimination for Matthew Sampson.  The Swiss team consisted of Martina Meroni (Socrates ll), Fanny Queloz (Celtic), Barbara Schnieper (Ragrusa H) and Claudia Gisler (Touchable).

The Brazilian team, led by Chef d’Equipe Jean-Maurice Bonneau, were understandably delighted with their result. And there was the sense of the start of a new era for this country today.  A combination of great experience and rising talent suggests this team could be a real force for the future.

Alvaro de Miranda said, “I’m very pleased to be part of this team.  These three (his team-mates) are very good riders and it’s great to have new people on the team like Marlon.  He has always been one of our greatest talents in Brazil and he fought hard to get here.  Also Rodrigo is here with a horse with some potential but the mare is not easy – but an accomplished rider like Rodrigo is a great man to have on our team.  I saw Eduardo in the States (USA) and he jumped some brilliant rounds there.  He did a beautiful clear in the first round.”

Today’s Test

Pessoa talked about today’s test. “The course in general was very good,” he said. Describing the line of fences from the water to the vertical at fence nine, he pointed out, “It’s difficult always after a water; there are always problems and today there were a lot of difficulties running to the oxer and then the white gate which was close to the exit gate.  But horses jumped well and the ground conditions were good.  We were the lucky winners and I’m delighted with our performance in general,” he added.

Menezes said he was “very pleased and honoured to be in this team.  This was my first Nations Cup ever!” but it was Zanotelli’s double-clear that really impressed today.

He said, “I was given a great opportunity to come here and I’d like to thank Doda (Alvaro de Miranda) and Athina (Onassia de Miranda), Jos Lansink and my boss for their confidence in my and to our Chef d’Equipe also.”  The young Brazilian rider has been working with horse-dealer and producer Enda Carroll at Ashford Farms in Belgium for over two years having previously worked with Belgian international rider Ludo Philippaerts.

“This horse was bought in a half-share by Athina and Doda along with my boss and Jos Lansink.  He (Clouwni) was about to be sold when Doda and Athina stepped in after we jumped really well in the Grand Prix at Chantilly.  We want to keep him for the WEG (World Equestrian Games in 2014) and because we want to build a strong team for the future.  And of course we have an even bigger goal – Rio in 2016!” he pointed out with a big grin.

That’s the future.  For today it was a great victory on Italian soil and the perfect end to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup 2013 qualifying series.  All that remains now is to see which country will take the spoils at the inaugural Final in Spain where 18 nations will battle it out before the brand new trophy is awarded.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping qualifying leg at CSIO 3* San Marino Arezzo, Italy, go to www.csiosanmarinoarezzo.com or contact Press Officer Caterina Vagnozzi, Email c.vagnozzi@gmail.com, Tel: +39 335 610 7070.

The inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final will take place at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 26-29 September 2013.  For all information on the Spanish fixture, go to website www.csiobarcelona.com or contact Press Officer Isabel Suter at Email isuter@rcpolo.com or Tel +34 760 258 222.

Official result here.

Facts and Figures:

12 nations competed in today’s last qualifier in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 inaugural series – Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland.

This was also the 10th and final round of the Europe Division 2 series.

Four countries were chasing points – Austria, Italy, Poland and Sweden.  The Swedish team were already qualified for the Final along with Belgium.

Following today’s competition, 3 nations from Europe Division 2 have qualified for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final which will take place at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 26 to 29 September – Belgium, Sweden and Austria.

A total of 18 nations will compete at the Barcelona Final.

Course designer for today’s competition was Italy’s Uliano Vezzani.

12 fences, 15 jumping efforts on the first-round course with two fences standings at 1.60m – the vertical at fence three and the final water-tray vertical.

Just one double-clear performance – from Brazil’s fourth-line rider Marlon Zanotelli with Clouwni.

Today’s event took place at Arezzo Equestrian Centre in Tuscany, Italy.

CSIO 3* San Marino Arezzo sees the renewal of the hugely popular San Marino international fixture previously staged at Modena between 1991 and 2001 and organised by the team of the late Maestro Luciano Pavarotti.

Quotes:

Uliano Vezzani, Course Designer – “It’s not easy to build a course for so many different riders and horses but was very happy because the horses jumped very, very well; there was a good result and I was very happy with the competition.”

Carlo Bernardini, OC CSIO San Marino Arezzo – “I’d like to thank Jean Maurice Bonneau because we were very excited to get the call to say there would be a great Brazilian team coming to Arezzo.  We had a great result today; until the very last horse in the second round, everyone in Italy was waiting for the result!”

John Roche, FEI Jumping Director – “It is a great pleasure to be in Arezzo for the 12th edition of CSIO San Marino which was previously organised in Modena by Maestro Luciano Pavarotti. Just a few days ago, on 3 September, the Republic of San Marino celebrated it 1,712th birthday!  San Marino is the oldest Republic in the world and the third-smallest country in Europe – only Vatican City and Monaco are smaller. I’d like to thank the Organising Committee at Arezzo for taking the initiative of bringing this great show back into the international calendar.”

Standings:

The full standings for Europe Division 2 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping 2013 series can be found at this link.

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series, check out this link.

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines is the Official Timekeeper of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping series.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

At Arezzo:

Press Officer
Caterina Vagnozzi
cvagnozzi@gmail.com
+39 335 610 7070

At Revolution Sports + Entertainment:

Tim Welland
tim@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7787 780 036

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Jock Paget Shows Plenty of Promise at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Promise are outstanding to take the lead after the Dressage phase at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR). (Photo: Kate Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 6 September 2013 – Jock Paget (NZL) and Clifton Promise could be on the brink of making Eventing history after taking over the lead after Dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, final leg of the HSBC FEI Classics.

The 29-year-old New Zealander has pledged to take all the direct routes on Mark Phillips’s much-respected Cross Country track tomorrow and announced determinedly: “I’m here to win.”

After an outstanding performance, in which he scored his first 10 at CCI4* level, for the halt, Paget heads the first-day Dressage leader Ingrid Klimke (GER) on FRH Butts Abraxxas by just 1.3 penalties.

Paget, who is also in equal fifth place on Clifton Lush, could become the first rider since Ginny Leng (riding Master Craftsman) in 1989 to win Badminton and Burghley in the same season on the same horse.

His Dressage mark of 36.7 is two penalties better than at Badminton, where he was fourth at this stage. “This was a lot better,” said Paget. “He was more consistent.

“I have had to go through him showing tension at some of the smaller competitions, but he’s an experienced horse now and when he comes to something like Burghley, he knows he has to focus.”

Paget has had an extraordinarily consistent career with the 15-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred by Engagement. Last year, the pair were 10th and won team bronze at the London Olympic Games as well as being second at Pau (FRA) behind Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Nereo, who today slotted into third place on 41.3 after a polished test.

Nicholson, leader of the HSBC FEI Classics, and Nereo are another experienced combination. They were World bronze medallists in 2010 and second at Burghley in 2011 behind William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Parklane Hawk, who are currently just 0.2 of a penalty behind in fourth place.

“Nereo has done all sorts of Cross Country courses all over the world now,” said Nicholson, who is also seventh on Avebury and equal 18th on Calico Joe. “He prefers a galloping course as he takes massive, powerful strides. The undulations are quite difficult for him, but I think he’ll cope.”

Fox-Pitt, who has won Burghley a record six times, leads the British fight back against the Kiwis and Germans who are dominating the event so far. Kristina Cook, who scored two 10s for her halt, is in eighth place on De Novo News, a mare she bred herself out of Douce de Longvaut. The latter was in foal to De Novo News when Cook went clear around Burghley on her in 2003.

Nicola Wilson (GBR) earned perhaps the loudest cheers of the afternoon on the great British team horse Opposition Buzz, and is now in ninth place, 0.4 of a penalty ahead of Oliver Townend on the Spanish-bred Armada, the more excitable full brother of Nereo.

“I am so proud of him,” said Wilson of her sparky black 16-year-old, considered one of the best Cross Country horses in the world – their fall at Luhmühlen in June was their first ever fault in this phase.

“His dressage has come on so well this year and he felt really rideable, which was such a treat. I’m really excited about riding here; we haven’t been here since 2008 [when they were fifth] because we started our team career after that.”

Townend, a winner of Burghley on Carousel Quest in 2009, was equally satisfied with Armada, who has had a tendency to be hot in this phase previously. “He probably takes more time than any other horse on my yard, but I really like riding him and I think we have just about got to grips with him.

“The course here is probably the most difficult in the world, but he has a huge stride, boundless energy and probably twice the power of any of my other horses. If someone suggested I entered him in the Grand National, it wouldn’t concern me.”

Captain Phillips says that the most difficult part of the course is up to the Land Rover Dairy Mound at 19, which comes at the seven-minute marker. This fence is perhaps causing the most discussion among riders: it comprises an uphill triple brush, which will require plenty of impulsion, followed by a bending downhill five-stride distance to another accuracy-testing triple brush.

“This really concludes the most testing section of the course,” commented Phillips. “I think riders will be really disappointed if they make a mistake after that.”

Behind Paget, less than five penalties cover the rest of the top 10, and with a chasing pack of this high quality, and a Cross Country course that is keeping everyone on their toes, he may have to work hard for his first Burghley win.

“Lush is good at turning, but he hasn’t got as big a stride as Promise, who can be strong at the start of the course, and so he may find some of the distances tricky,” said Paget. “If I win Burghley, I will be a very happy man.”

Tomorrow’s Cross Country day, which starts at 11.30am, promises to be a thriller.

Full results on: www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

Audio links: Catch up with the leaders after Dressage:

Jonathan Paget (NZL), Dressage leader http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/FRI_JockPaget.mp3

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), third on Nereo http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/FRI_AndrewNicholson.mp3

William Fox Pitt (GBR), fourth with Parklane Hawk http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/FRI_WillF-P.mp3

Nicola Wilson (GBR), ninth after her best ever Dressage score on Opposition Buzz http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/FRI_NicolaWilson.mp3

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation.

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub, you can access the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 series standings, HSBC Rankings and all news relating to the current and past series.

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$333,000 split as follows: 1st – US$150,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$75,000; 3rd – US$50,000; 4th – US$33,000; 5th – US$25,000.

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature Twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:

Bridget Burbidge
Press Officer
bridget@jbpromotions.co.uk
+44 7850 822 820

FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Jonathan Paget Leads World Class Field

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(Burghley, UK, 6 September 2013)  Jonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise is in 1st place after the Dressage phase at the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Ingrid Klimke (GER) riding FRH Butts Abraxxas is in 2nd place, with Andrew Nicholson (NZL) riding Nereo in 3rd place. Current Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize contender Jonathan Paget is also lying in joint 5th place on Clifton Lush.

Rider Quotes

Jonathan Paget riding Clifton Promise

Q. How did that test compare with your Badminton test, which you went on to win?

I thought that test was a lot better than the Badminton test, he got a little bit tense there – but here he was just consistent all the way through.

Q. Do you feel under pressure coming here as the Badminton winner?

I think you can put pressure on yourself and this is a new kind of pressure for me because I’ve not won a four star before – but you’re always under pressure at these big events.

Q. Are you planning to take all the quick routes in the Cross Country tomorrow?

I haven’t finished my plan yet on how I’m going to ride and it will probably vary throughout the day depending how it goes, but I’m here to win and I’ll do everything I can to win.

Q. Which of your two horses do you think will cope better with the course tomorrow?

I think it’s probably a combination of both, as Lush is turning and thinking on his feet, and Promise will be strong at the start of the course, but Lush hasn’t got as big a stride as Promise so he might struggle with some of the distances – but apart from that both very strong at cross country.

Andrew Nicholson riding Nereo

Q. Looking at tomorrow – how is it going to suit you and Nereo?

He’s done all sorts of courses all over the world – he will naturally prefer a big galloping course as he’s got a massive powerful stride but he has run round here a few times – he’s dealt with it before and I’m sure he’ll deal with it again tomorrow.

Q. How do you compare your dressage day with Badminton?

I think it was a step up from Badminton – the whole test was a lot more polished and a bit more correct – today was a lot more smooth and consistent.

Q. Out of all the technical questions on tomorrow’s course, which do you think is the most difficult?

I think it’s pretty consistent all the way round, but for me probably the most difficult is the Dairy Mounds – skinny brushes on the hill. I know from other years that whatever is on the Dairy Mounds takes a lot more jumping than what you think as the horses are a little tired by the time you get there – perhaps it’s because I’ve been around too many times and know where the horses feel tired and where they don’t.

Cross Country Course Designer – Capt Mark Phillips

Q. What were you setting out to do when you designed this course?

The Dairy Mound is at seven minutes so all the serious questions are in the first seven minutes, hopefully before the horses get too tired. I think after that, riders will be disappointed if they make a mistake.

I think if horses are down at five minutes (on the time) then it’s just a question of how much they can get back in 7, 8, 9, 10 minutes because at ten minutes it’s the Burghley Station and I don’t think there is any time to get it back after that.

Q. What effect does it have on you when you hear that Ingrid Klimke says it’s the most daunting course she has ever encountered?!

I think the people I have spoken to say it is a ‘real four star’ course – and I don’t know how to say it but perhaps it’s more of a four star than some others that we’ve seen recently!

Copyright Free Audio Post Dressage Day 2 Press Conference

For an audio interview of the post Day 2 Dressage press conference featuring Jonathan Paget, Andrew Nicholson and cross-country Course Designer – Capt Mark Phillips, please click link here: http://po.st/ihmgMm.

Results after Day 2 Dressage

1 Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 36.7
2 Ingrid Klimke/FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) 39.0
3 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 41.3
4 William Fox-Pitt/Parklane Hawk (GBR) 41.5
5= Jonathan Paget/Clifton Lush (NZL) 42.0
5= Andreas Dibowski/FRH Butts Leon (GER) 42.0

For more information on the 2013 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and full Results/Leaderboard, please visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

A New Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Contender

Having won the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, Paget is now in the unique position of being able to compete for the US$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Prize – to do so, he will need to repeat his success from Badminton and claim a win at this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. If he can complete this immense challenge, he will go forward to the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, with a win making him only the second person to be a Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing Champion, joining Pippa Funnell.

Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing

In 2001, Rolex created the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This prize is awarded to the rider who manages to win the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials event in any consecutive order. Until now, only British rider Pippa Funnell has managed this staggering achievement, winning the title in 2003.

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
T: +44(0)207 592 1207
E: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk

Competitions, Show Jumping

Strong Start for Eric Lamaze at Spruce Meadows “Masters”

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Eric Lamaze guided Powerplay to a second place finish in the $125,000 CANA Cup. Photo Credit – Spruce Meadows Media Services.

September 5, 2013 – Calgary, Alberta – Canadian Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze is off to a strong start at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” tournament, placing second in the $125,000 CANA Cup on Thursday, September 5.  The five-day international show jumping competition runs September 4 to 8 in Calgary, AB.

Lamaze was one of five riders to successfully negotiate the first round track, featuring jumps set at a height of 1.60m by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela.  In the jump-off, Lamaze guided Powerplay to another clear round, stopping the clock in 44.55 seconds.  It was not quite fast enough, however, to catch Penelope Leprevost of France, who had crossed the timers in 43.77 seconds riding Dame Blanche van Arenberg.

“Powerplay is going to learn to go a bit faster, but he’s not much of a race horse,” said Lamaze of the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding acquired three months ago by owner Artisan Farms.  “He spends a bit of time in the air and he has a big stride, but he’s learned a lot.  Penelope didn’t beat me by that much, though, so he’s getting better at it.”

Of his jump-off strategy, Lamaze noted, “I didn’t see Penelope go.  I just rode the plan that I had made for my horse and I was happy with the pace.  If it was good enough, it was.  If it wasn’t, that was okay, too.  I was happy with the result.”

Lamaze settled for second place and $25,000 in prize money in the $125,000 CANA Cup.  Vancouver’s Tiffany Foster, who is coached by Lamaze, was the next Canadian in the final standings, finishing eighth with Verdi III after incurring one time fault in the opening round.

In preparation for Thursday’s event, Lamaze rode both Powerplay and Quelmec du Gery, a nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Artisan Farms, in the $50,000 1.50m ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup held Wednesday afternoon in the International Ring.  Powerplay jumped double clear to place eighth while Quelmec du Gery, the former ride of Leprevost, jumped clear with one time fault.

“The plan was to do a smaller class yesterday, the 1.50m, and then move Powerplay up to the 1.60m today and get ready for the Nations’ Cup,” explained Lamaze, 45.  “So far, the plan is working beautifully.  I’m very pleased.”

Lamaze and Foster will be teammates for the third year in a row in Saturday’s $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup, riding alongside Lamaze’s 2008 Olympic silver medal teammates Ian Millar of Perth, ON, and Mac Cone of King City, ON.  Lamaze will ride Powerplay in the team competition while Foster will ride Verdi III, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding also owned by Artisan Farms.  Both horses were acquired at the end of May from Swiss Olympian Pius Schwizer.

Lamaze will also ride Powerplay in the grand finale, the $1 million CN International, presented by Rolex, on Sunday, September 8.  The grand prix is one of three events comprising the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which offers an unprecedented €1 million in bonus money to any rider who can win all three grand prix events in succession at CHIO Aachen, CSIO Calgary, and CHI Geneva.  To date, Lamaze and his 2008 Olympic gold medal partner, Hickstead, are the only horse-rider combinations to have won all three events.

Based in Vrasene, Belgium, and spending the winter season in Wellington, Florida, Spruce Meadows is the only Canadian venue where Lamaze competes.  Lamaze is the all-time leading money winner at Spruce Meadows, having won more than $3.8 million to date at the Calgary venue alone.  A Rolex testimonee, Lamaze enters Sunday’s $1 million CN International, presented by Rolex, as a two-time winner, having won the prestigious event on two occasions, in 2007 and 2011, riding the legendary Hickstead.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Penelope Leprevost Takes Top Prize in $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

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Penelope Leprevost and Dame Blanche van Arenberg. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Swail Goes 1-2 in $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m

Calgary, AB, Canada – September 5, 2013 – The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continued today with two top competitions in the International Ring. Taking the top prize in the $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m was Penelope Leprevost (FRA) and Dame Blanche van Arenberg. The luck of the Irish was with Conor Swail today when he finished first and second in the $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m on Martha Louise and Lansdowne. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament hosts the best show jumpers in the world through Sunday, September 8. The highlight events of the week are the $350,000 BMO Nations’ Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Sunday.

The $125,000 CANA Cup 1.60m had 39 entries, but only five were able to find the clear track to the jump-off. The course designer for this week is Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. First in the jump-off was Olympic gold medalist Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Carpalo. They had eight faults in 43.99 seconds for fifth place.

Leprevost, who has won silver medals at European Championships and FEI World Equestrian Games, and Dame Blanche van Arenberg, a 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare by Clinton x Codexco, were next in and set the winning pace in 43.78 seconds with a clear round.

Leprevost revealed, “This is the first time I’ve gone fast with my mare. The dressage and the control is not perfect, but she always tries. My problem is in the turn; she doesn’t do them so good. The mouth is difficult. But in a straight line, she can go fast. She’s very careful. I tried to do my best.”

World Number One Ben Maher gave it a try on Cella, but a rail in 45.52 seconds left them in third place. The only clear round in the jump-off gave second place to Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Powerplay. They were just off the pace in 44.56 seconds. Beezie Madden, also an Olympic gold medalist, was the last one in with Cortes ‘C’. After an early rail, they slowed down to finish in 48.40 seconds for fourth place.

This was Leprevost’s first time competing at Spruce Meadows, and she has only ridden this horse for four months. However, she felt confident that Dame Blanche van Arenberg would be able to handle the atmosphere of the International Ring. “I’m surprised she went so fast. I’m not surprised that she won. She has a super mind,” she described. “She jumped for the first time in Aachen (too) and was great, so I wasn’t worried about it.”

Regarding Spruce Meadows, she complimented, “It’s unbelievable. We heard a lot of super things about this show, but the difference when you can ride and come in the ring, it’s amazing.”

For Lamaze, setting a plan with his young, talented horse is paramount. “I have to be patient,” he acknowledged. “I don’t know have so many at the moment at this level. I have to do everything right and I have to get to know him and make him a better horse than he is today. I still have to take my time and be realistic about what I do, have a very solid plan, and stick to it. I have a good plan for this horse and so far it’s working.”

When he went in the jump-off today, he was not thinking of getting the most speed out of Powerplay. He explained, “To be honest, Powerplay is going to learn to go a bit faster, but it’s never going to be his forte. He’s not much of a racehorse. He spends a bit of time in the air, and he has a big stride. But he’s learned a lot. I basically didn’t see Penelope go, but I just rode the plan that was challenging enough for my horse, but wasn’t going to destroy my Nations Cup either. For me, I was happy with the pace.”

Swail Leads the Way with Two Horses

In a great display of horsemanship, Ireland’s Conor Swail guided both of his horses to the top of the leaderboard in the $50,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.50m. There were 41 entries in the class, and 14 in the jump-off. Swail went fifth in the order on Lansdowne in the jump-off and with a daring approach to the final oxer, he took the lead with a clear round in 37.06 seconds. Six horses later, Swail was back on Martha Louise, and with efficient turns and an open stride, they brought the winning time down to 35.80 seconds for the win. Fellow Irishman Dermott Lennon rode Keonan Stables Ltd’s Hallmark Elite to third place in 37.13 seconds. In fourth was Hans Dieter Dreher (GER) with Magnus Romeo with a time of 38.51 seconds, while Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Early Morning Mist placed fifth with a time of 39.17 seconds.

Conor Swail and Lansdowne
Conor Swail and Lansdowne

“I had an awesome day today,” Swail acknowledged with a big smile. “The two horses were absolutely fabulous. To come first and second in front of the international riders, the fantastic riders that are here, is really special. It’s lovely here and there was a nice crowd here today. It’s always lovely to win at Spruce Meadows.”

In addition to his 1-2 in the International Ring, Swail also won the $15,000 Oxford Properties Group Cup 1.30m with Arista and the $25,000 Phillips, Hager & North Cup 1.40m on Game Ready in the All Canada Ring.

While Swail was quick with Lansdowne, he did feel that Martha Louise, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maoubet de Pleville x Wolfgang, had a good chance of catching him. He explained, “Lansdowne is a big mover, but he’s a little slower than Martha. I knew Martha could probably be a little quicker around the same. I was surprised when she was so fast actually. She was smoking. The first bit was so fast and she turned so well after the wall that I knew all I needed to do was be patient at the last four jumps. She had it done by then.”

Martha Louise has been a proven performer this year for Swail, who sold her to his owners, Susan & Ariel Grange, after the winter circuit. She placed in 11 of 12 classes during the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, and went on to finish in the ribbons at the Dublin CSIO and the three-star events at the P.S.I. FEI European Jumping Championships before coming to the ‘Masters’. She was third yesterday and picked up the win today. “Her record has been absolutely phenomenal here,” Swail affirmed. “She looks like she could be pushing Lansdowne for the top spot, the way she’s been going.”

Swail was pleased with the way Lansdowne has rebounded after jumping in the European Championships in Denmark just 10 days ago. “It was as big as I’ve ever jumped and as big as he’s ever jumped. He struggled a bit and I’m really happy how he’s come out of it. This is the next big test,” he said.

While he plans to show Lansdowne in the BMO Nations Cup on Saturday and the $1 Million CN International on Sunday, his feeling on Saturday will be the deciding factor. “We’ll see how Saturday goes,” he pointed out. “If he handles himself well, I’ll be looking forward to Sunday. If he doesn’t, I don’t have to go. I’m not going to go if I don’t think I can win. There’s always other years, and there’s going to be a lot of years left in that horse. He’s growing all the time. I think hopefully he’ll be a horse to watch out for in the next three or four years.”

Swail added, “I have to thank my owners. I’m so lucky I have some fabulous horses. I’m #36 in the world now, which is the highest ranking I’ve ever been; 37 was my highest before!”

The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ continues tomorrow with the Mercedes-Benz “Evening of the Horse.” It will feature “Name the Foal” contest awards, the $205,000 Encana Cup 1.60m, the $75,000 ATCO Electric ‘Circuit’ Six Bar competition, the German State Studs Stallions Spotlight Performance, and a Symphony of Fireworks. For full results and more information, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Spruce Meadows Media Services
katie.macleod@sprucemeadows.com
403.974.4232
www.sprucemeadows.com

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

Championships, Dressage, JRPR, USEF

Piaffe Performance’s Markel/USEF Champions Make Chicago Their Kind of Town

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Nadine Burberl and Fashion Designer OLD, owned by Martin Sosnoff, at the 2013 Young Horse Championships. (Photo courtesy of PhelpsPhoto.com)

Whitehouse Station, NJ (September 5, 2013) – “What a week in Chicago! I could not be more proud of my horses and riders,” said Cesar Parra, after judges Lilo Fore, Anne Gribbons and Sandy Osborne awarded some of the most prestigious titles and scores of the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com to Piaffe Performance horses and riders.

On August 24, facing 13 entries in the last of two qualifying classes towards the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Five-Year-Old Championship, Nadine Burberl knew that a strong ride with Parra and Martin T. Sosnoff’s Fashion Designer OLD (Faustinus x Forst-Design/DeNiro) would account for 60% of their final score and likely make or break their chance at their first national title.

The Oldenburg gelding rose to the occasion in the Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena, earning a perfect “10” for his trot work from the impressed panel of judges and a 9.60 score overall to win the class. He also earned a 9.0 for his walk, 8.5 for his canter, and high marks (8.5 and 9.3) for submission and general impression. “I had goose-bumps every circle, every canter stride,” said Burberl, “and his trot was just amazing.”  Parra agreed: “It was really poetry in motion.”

Burberl also rode Michael and Sarah Davis’s Oldenburg, Fiderhit OLD (Fidertanz x Sandro Hit) to third (87.0) in the same class, finishing ahead of an impressive field of entries including two ridden by U.S. Pan American Games team Gold medalist Chris Hickey.

“Both Oldenburg superstars showed their fantastic quality,” said Parra, “but believe me, you have not seen the best from these horses yet. The future is exciting.”

In the Markel/USEF Developing Grand Prix Horse Championship test, the Piaffe Performance team of Katie Riley and Zanzibar (aka ‘Leo’) finished as reserve champion in the final test with a 66.583 score from the judges and a very close 3rd place finish in the Championships.

“It has been so fun to watch this horse mature,” said Parra.  All the more so because Leo’s path to Grand Prix potential has been an unusual one:  “We bought him as a four-year-old stallion that had been started as a hunter. Now, as a nine-year-old, he is doing Grand Prix dressage! Katie and Leo were less than a point out of first place. They will be fun to watch in the next year.”

Next on the Piaffe Performance schedule is preparing its new national  champions and rising stars for Dressage at Devon, September 24-29, in Pennsylvania.  But not before pausing to acknowledge the supportive network of  riders, friends and family who are with Piaffe Performance stride for stride.

“Thank you,” said Parra, “to all of the people who made these championships possible for us. Many people have taught me so much in the past years, I am always grateful for their continued support.”

Follow the progress of Piaffe Performance’s rising stars at the Devon Horse Show and beyond, visit the farm, or meet more of its talented sale and dressage prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Publications/Media, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

The Making of Spruce Meadows – The Final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Film

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5 September 2013 – The world renowned Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament started on 8th September, and marks the second show of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Following the release of two special films dedicated to celebrating this significant occasion, Rolex has released the third and final film.

In the concluding film of the series, Eric Lamaze, Linda Southern-Heathcott and Ian Allison identify the different components that make the course and competition at Spruce Meadows world famous.

View all three films on the World of Rolex YouTube channel

OR

Download a high resolution version of the film

To support the partnership with Spruce Meadows and the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has also produced a dedicated press pack which provides detailed information on the brand’s equestrian sponsorship and the background to its long-term relationship with the sport.

The Rolex press pack can be downloaded here.

For further media information, please contact:
Rod Kohler
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
T: +44(0)207 592 1207
E: tim@revolutionsports.co.uk

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Klimke Makes Stunning Debut at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas produce a superb test to take the lead after the first day of Dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. (Photo: Kate Houghton/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 5 September 2013 – Ingrid Klimke (GER) and FRH Butts Abraxxas thrilled the excited crowd at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, final leg of the HSBC FEI Classics, and now holds the overnight lead after the first day of Dressage.

They scored 39 penalties and are three points clear of the two riders currently holding joint-second place: Andreas Dibowski (GER) on FRH Butts Leon and Jock Paget (NZL) on Clifton Lush.

Surprisingly, Klimke, the newly crowned European team gold and individual silver medallist, has never been to Burghley before. She explained that she is usually at the national championships in Germany, but as “Braxxy” is now 16, it was a case of “now or never”.

The son of Heraldik XX (also the sire of Michael Jung’s European Champion Halunke, FRH Butts Leon and Sam Griffiths’s Burghley ride, Happy Times) is so established, soft and “through” in the Dressage arena that the crowd knew they were watching something special. There was a gasp as Ground Jury President Nick Burton (GBR) awarded the only 10 of the day, for the halt in the middle of the test.

“He is so sweet and relaxed,” said Klimke of her six-time team horse. “When we come into the arena, he says: ‘What do you want me to do and I will do it’.”

Dibowski’s horse, FRH Butts Leon, another 16-year-old (both horses are bred by Friedrich Butt) has also been a great servant to the German team and won Luhmühlen in 2011, but was ridden at last year’s London Olympic Games by Thailand’s Nina Ligon.

“It’s an exciting story that we have been reunited,” said Dibowski, who has not competed at Burghley since the European Championships in 1987.

He said that the hot sunshine suits his horse. “He loved it in Hong Kong [at the 2008 Olympic Games]. He just gets better and better.”

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), the first rider to compete three horses at Burghley, is in fourth place on 42.3 with his 2012 winner, Avebury, and in eighth on Calico Joe. He still has his Pau 2012 winner Nereo to come tomorrow.

Sarah Cohen (GBR), who gave birth to her second child earlier this year, is best of the British riders in seventh place on Treason; six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt (GBR) is ninth on the first of his two rides Neuf des Coeurs; and Piggy French (GBR), who is back riding at CCI4* level after a two-year gap, is 10th on new ride Westwood Mariner with 49.2.

“This was our first four-star test together so I am very pleased,” said French, a member of the British team in 2011. “I think it’s about as good as we could have achieved at the moment; we’re still very much on a learning curve. It’s nice to be back!”

Riders are impressed with Mark Phillips’s revamped Cross Country track, where the most demanding fences come in the first half. Ingrid Klimke says that three courses stick in her mind as being big and imposing: the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the 2010 Kentucky track (at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games) and this one at Burghley.

Andrew Nicholson added that he thought Captain Phillips had been “very clever”. He explained: “The new FEI rule that asks designers to use less jumping efforts within the same distance is quite a challenge for them, but Mark has managed to slow us down without making it twisty. I don’t think many riders will get the optimum time.”

The Dressage phase resumes tomorrow (Friday) with leading riders Kevin McNab (AUS), Bettina Hoy (GER) and Kristina Cook (GBR) to come, as well as William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Jock Paget (NZL) on their second horses.

Nicholson is the runaway leader of the HSBC FEI Classics, but Burghley placings will be significant in the fortunes of Fox-Pitt and Jock Paget, who are currently in second and third. And any other rider who can win this challenging contest on Sunday will spring into the five cash prizes.

Full results are available at: www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

View full standings: www.fei.org/fei/sponsors/hsbc-and-fei/fei-classics.

Audio links: Catch up with the leaders discussing their tests:

Ingrid klimke (in English) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_IngridKlimke.mp3

Ingrid Klimke (in German) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_IngridKlimkeGER.mp3

Andreas Dibowski (English) http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_AndreasDibowsky.mp3

Jock Paget http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/THURS_JockPaget.mp3

HSBC’s Training Bursary

At the centre of HSBC’s sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level. As part of its support of the HSBC FEI Classics, HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary. This is a unique award which is presented to the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4-star level event. The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of US $1,000 to be spent on sessions with a trainer of the athlete’s choice approved by the FEI and National Federation.

HSBC, the platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics series, which unites the top end of the international Eventing circuit, since 2008.

In our HSBC FEI Hub, you can access the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 series standings, HSBC Rankings and all news relating to the current and past series.

Prize money

The HSBC FEI Classics prize fund is the largest on offer in the sport of Eventing on an annual basis. At the end of the HSBC FEI Classics 2012/2013 season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected across the six HSBC FEI Classics events will share a total prize fund of US$333,000 split as follows: 1st – US$150,000 (Series Champion); 2nd – US$75,000; 3rd – US$50,000; 4th – US$33,000; 5th – US$25,000.

HSBC Rankings

The rider at the top of the HSBC Rankings at the end of the 2013 Eventing season will receive a US $50,000 bonus. The winning rider will be announced in December 2013.

Join the FEI on Facebook & Twitter.

Our signature Twitter hashtags for this series are #HSBC and #Eventing. We encourage you to use them, and if you have space: #HSBC FEI Classics #Eventing

By Kate Green

Media Contacts:

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:

Bridget Burbidge
Press Officer
bridget@jbpromotions.co.uk
+44 7850 822 820

FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Competitions, Show Jumping

The Stars to Watch at the American Gold Cup CSI4*-W

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Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo won the American Gold Cup in 2010. Photo by Kenneth Kraus.

Get Your Tickets for an International Show Jumping Showdown

North Salem, NY – September 5, 2013 – The American Gold Cup gets underway on Sept. 11, 2013, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 15, culminating with the iconic event, the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W , Presented by Suncast, on the grand prix field of Old Salem Farm. It will be an all-star event and will include an impressive list of show jumping’s who’s who, all focused on winning the American Gold Cup and bringing them one step closer to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup Finals in Lyon, France next spring.

The grass Grand Prix field at Old Salem Farm is known for its difficulty. FEI course designer Alan Wade is certain to build a challenging course that makes full use of the rolling terrain.

“Old Salem is known as the one of our country’s finest facilities,” said the 2012 American Gold Cup winner, Peter Leone, who won aboard Monica Carrera’s Lincourt Gino. “It is one of the most challenging fields in North America.”

Leone, who also won in 1988 with Threes and Sevens, will not compete this year but many international contenders will battle it out for the coveted Gold Cup.

Beezie Madden, the current World Cup Champion, is a logical choice to watch. She was fourth last year with Cortes C and named the Dyer Equestrian Leading Lady rider. Madden has won the American Gold Cup twice, first in 1989 with Northern Magic and again in 2010 with Coral Reef Via Volo. She holds the No.1 position in the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List and stands in second place in the Longines World Rankings. Madden is a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. In 2004, she was the first woman in the sport of show jumping to pass the $1 million mark in winnings.

Kent Farrington and Voyeur. Photo by Kenneth Kraus
Kent Farrington and Voyeur. Photo by Kenneth Kraus

Last year’s second-place finisher, Kent Farrington, could certainly get the job done. Farrington is coming off a big win of the World Cup Qualifier at the Hampton Classic. He won the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix and the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix – both at Spruce Meadows. Farrington is currently ranked eighth on the Longines World Rankings and third in the Rolex/USEF Ranking List for the U.S. He has never won the American Gold Cup.

Westchester County’s own McLain Ward is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and is another mega-star to watch at the American Gold Cup. Ward was third at last year’s Gold Cup with the impressive Wurtemburger gray gelding, Antares F. He was fifth at the 2013 World Cup Finals and is currently ranked in fifth place on the Rolex/USEF Ranking List. Ward has said that an American Gold Cup win is something that has eluded him and that he hopes to achieve.

“It’s one of the great competitions of our country,” said Ward about the Gold Cup. Expect to see a spectacular effort from the ever-determined Ward.

Another athlete to watch is Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea, who won the Friday American Gold Cup Qualifier in 2012. She won the Gold Cup in 2006 with Vegas and is currently ranked seventh on the Rolex/USEF Ranking List. McCrea has had a fantastic summer competition season with big grand prix wins at HITS Saugerties, Spruce Meadows and Old Salem.

Christine McCrea and Romatovich Take One. Photo by Parker Russell - The Book LLC
Christine McCrea and Romatovich Take One. Photo by Parker Russell – The Book LLC

Confirmed American Gold Cup competitor Margie Engle is one of the most successful show jumping athletes of all time. She has over 200 Grand Prix wins under her belt, has been named AGA Rider of the Year 10 times, has been on more than 20 winning Nations Cup teams and was the 1991 AHSA Equestrian of the Year.  Engle is another good bet in the field of skilled contenders.

The 2013 American Gold Cup list of those confirmed to compete also includes young talent Katie Dinan and Brianne Goutal. Fresh from major Grand Prix wins this summer are Pablo Barrios, Charlie Jayne, Todd Minikus, Paul O’Shea, Leslie Howard and more. It should make for a show jumping event for the record books.

NBC Sports Network will broadcast the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, Presented by Suncast the following week on Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

About the American Gold Cup

The American Gold Cup will feature world-class and Olympic athletes, such as current World Cup Show Jumping Champion Beezie Madden and Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Also confirmed to compete are show jumping mega-stars Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, Margie Engle, Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea and many more, all vying to secure their position at the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France.

Highlights of the schedule include the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake on Thursday, the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier presented by Double H Farm and Windsor Show Stables on Friday and the $50,000 Hermes Classic on Saturday. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. EST.

McLain Ward and Antares F. Photo by Parker Russell - The Book LLC
McLain Ward and Antares F. Photo by Parker Russell – The Book LLC

The American Gold Cup will also feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers and Open Jumpers. New this year, the Zone 2 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

For further information, visit: www.stadiumjumping.com or www.theamericangoldcup.com.

43rd Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What: The $200,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When: September 11-15, 2013

Where: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon
Sunday: Gates open at 11 a.m. with family activities with the $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W at 2 p.m.

Prize List and Entries: Click here to download your copy of the prize list. Go to www.stadiumjumping.com and www.theamericangoldcup.com for the schedule, entry form and Region 2 East ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championship information and entry form.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/7/12 941-744-5465 800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610  ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Televised Broadcast: The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $15 per person, $10 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.

Tickets are available at the gate and online at www.theamericangoldcup.com.

Jockey Club:

The Jockey Club offers full service gourmet cuisine and beverages for tables of six and eight. Click here to reserve your Jockey Club table. New this year, The American Gold Cup is adding luxury suites for parties of 10 or more on the second floor of the Jockey Club. For more information and to reserve your American Gold Cup luxury suite, contact Matt Morrissey at: matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com.

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

April Wehle
561.459.9259
aprilw@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:

Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
http://danburyplaza-px.trvlclick.com/
(877) 270 1393

Ridgefield, NY
West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323

Brewster, NY 5-10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011

Mt. Kisco, NY 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600

Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: 941-744-5465
Fax: 941-744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389  Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Awards, Dressage, FEI, Para-Equestrian

Belgian Paralympian Michèle George Shortlisted for IPC Award

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Michèle George (BEL), pictured here with FBW Rainman on their way to Paralympic gold at London 2012, has been shortlisted for the 2013 Paralympic Sport Awards. ©Liz Gregg/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 5 September 2013 – Michèle George, the Belgian Para-Equestrian athlete who made her Paralympic debut a winning one with two gold medals at London 2012, has been shortlisted for the 2013 Paralympic Sport Awards.

The 39-year-old Belgian rider, who competes in Grade IV, is one of three shortlisted athletes in the Best Female Games Debut category. She is the first Para-Equestrian athlete to have been shortlisted in the history of the awards.

Michèle George was Belgium’s first Paralympic equestrian gold medal winner since the IPC added the sport to the programme in 1996. Her London 2012 gold medals came in the Individual and Freestyle tests with the then 10-year-old FBW Rainman. She rode the same horse to Freestyle silver at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010 and Freestyle silver at the 2009 European Championships in Kristiansand (NOR).

“I was really honoured even to be nominated for this award, but now I’ve been shortlisted it’s just unbelievable,” Michèle George said. “Winning two gold medals at London 2012 was a dream come true and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me on this incredible journey. If I do win the award, it will be the best possible reward for all the hard work everyone has put in.”

“It is very exciting news that Michèle George has been shortlisted for this award,” FEI Para-Dressage Committee Chair Ulf Wilken said. “It is really wonderful that Para-Equestrian sport is getting such public recognition from IPC members. Michèle is a great representative of the sport and we wish her the best of luck when the winners are announced later in the year.”

The 2013 Paralympic Sport Awards ceremony will take place in Athens (GRE) on Saturday 23 November, when six awards recognising achievements at the London 2012 Paralympic Games will be presented. A total of 15 athletes, who between them won 38 gold medals in London, have been shortlisted for the six categories, which are: best female, best male, best female debut, best male debut, best team and best official.

This year’s awards have attracted a record number of nominations from members and, as a result, the IPC decided to split the Best Games Debut award into two categories for males and females.

The other two athletes shortlisted in the Best Female Games Debut category are Johanna Benson (NAM), who became the first Namibian to win gold in either the Olympic or Paralympic Games when winning the 200m T37 and also took the 100m T37 silver; and Marlou Van Rhijn (NED), who followed up winning 100m and 200m European titles in June by claiming the 200m gold and100m silver in London.

The Paralympic Sport Awards take place in the years following a summer and winter Paralympic Games. For more information on the 2013 Paralympic Sport Awards, please visit www.paralympic.org/TheIPC/HWA/ParalympicSportAwards.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC supervises the organisation of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions.

The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to develop sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

The FEI took over as the governing body for Para-Equestrian in 2006, one of the first international governing bodies to govern and regulate a sport for both able-bodied and disabled athletes.

With the idea of creating opportunities for all people with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport, athletes are classified according to the level of their disability/impairment.

Para-Equestrian Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games, and has been a part of the Paralympic programme since 1996.

Media Contacts:

IPC:

Craig Spence
IPC Director of Media and Communications
craig.spence@paralympic.org
+49 228 2097 230

FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133