Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping

All Horses Pass First Horse Inspection for PSI FEI European Jumping Championships at Herning

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It was “thumbs up” for Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Casall Ask in the First Horse Inspection for Jumping horses at the ECCO FEI European Championships 2013 in Herning, Denmark today. Photo: FEI/Jacob Melissen.

Herning (DEN), 19 August 2013 – All horses passed the first veterinary inspection ahead of tomorrow’s opening competition in the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships at Herning in Denmark.  However if this afternoon was anything to go by, then there is plenty of excitement ahead as both Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat, and Dutch star Jeroen Dubbeldam had to endure a tense wait when their horses were amongst the few sent to the holding box for re-examination.

Guerdat’s London 2012 Olympic gold medal winning ride, Nino des Buissonnets, and Dubbeldam’s mare Utascha SFN each got the green light from the veterinary commission led by Hans Schougaard on re-inspection however.  A total of 92 athletes from 22 countries will contest the Jumping medals at this week’s ECCO FEI European Championships which, for the first time, bring together the three disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage.

On Springs

As usual, some of the Jumping horses were on springs today, and the Italians had extra encouragement from an enthusiastic terrier who accompanied them as they trotted up in front of the veterinary panel.  It was a cool and windy afternoon, and Norway’s Victoria Gulliksen found herself being towed by her chestnut gelding, Urval, while Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger also had some difficulty pulling up a very fresh Palloubet d’Halong.  Some of the mares were in particularly sharp form, and a very bossy Gotha FRH proved more than a handful for Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, but she passed the inspection with flying colours and, no doubt, her rider will be back in charge tomorrow.

Fellow-Swede and defending Individual champion, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, was his usual cool self of course, and his bay stallion Casall Ask powered his way to approval.  As the first-ever Swedish winner of the European title when coming out on top in Madrid, Spain two years ago he has the weight of expectation sitting on his shoulders as the action gets underway this week.  But the unassuming rider said today, “It’s nice to come back as defending European champion and I want to do as well as possible. I’ve had a long preparation with Casall and I’m really looking forward to the week ahead.”  He said he’s put a lot of thought into getting the balance right for his 14-year-old stallion in the lead-up to the event.  “It’s important not to do too little, and not to do too much – we finished our plan three weeks ago and he is feeling really good,” Bengtsson pointed out.

Germany defends the team title, and despite the fact that the squad has undergone several late changes they have such strength in depth that they are still likely to be the ones to beat.  The withdrawal of Philipp Weishaupt and Monte Bellini brought Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna into the side but the American-born German rider suffered a back injury while competing in the Grand Prix at Dublin Horse Show last week so Marcus Ehning and Plot Blue have been called in to replace them.  German riders will be chasing their eighth team gold in the 54-year history of the FEI European Jumping Championships.

Dressage Drama

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel withdrew his top ride, Watermill Scandic, from the Blue Hors FEI European Dressage Championship this evening due to injury. The horse with which he won bronze in Rotterdam two years ago was exercised happily this morning but was later found to be unsound in his right foreleg. Following an ultra-sound scan it was decided the stallion should not compete and as a result, Toy Story is travelling by road tonight to replace him.

It is a big blow to the Swedish side, but Chef d’Equipe, Bo Jena, said this evening, “I immediately thought about Toy Story as our reserve and the decision was taken to transport him from Germany as soon as possible.”  The horse is expected to arrive in good time for the First Horse Inspection which will take place at 9.30am tomorrow. “Patrick took the situation professionally,” Jena said. “These things happen with horses, there is never any guarantee but now he needs to rethink his strategy on how to work with Toy Story,” he added.

Para-Dressage

Tomorrow also brings the First Horse Inspection for the JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championship.  While the Jumping and Dressage action will be played out in the 10,000-seater MCH Arena, which is normally home to Danish Superleague soccer team FC Midtjylland, the Para-Dressage competitors will compete in the nearby JYSK Arena.  Danish Para-Dressage star Stinne Kaastrup was the centre of attention this afternoon, and the 18-year-old who took team and individual silver along with Freestyle gold in Grade 1b at the 2011 Europeans in Moorsele, Belgium talked about her prospects with her new horse, Steffi Graf.  She lost her brilliant little New Forest pony, Labbenhus Snovs, last summer and struggled with a replacement horse that was 1.60cms tall.

But her new ride, Steffi Graf, is “about 157cms and she’s lovely because she just wants to please me,” Kaastrup explained.  “When I ride her I get the same feeling that I had with Snovs. She’s not the most flashy but she has a good walk and she really wants to learn.”  Kaastrup knows that after just four months together there may be some unrealistic expectations of what they can achieve this week. “But I don’t feel under pressure, I feel people will take that into account.  We’ll do what we can do for now, and that will be good enough,” said the consummate professional.

The Para-Dressage First Horse Inspection will take place tomorrow at 13.00 while the opening Speed leg of the PSI FEI European Jumping Championship gets the real business underway at 16.45 local time.

For further information on the ECCO FEI European Championships 2013, go to website: http://european-herning.dk/GB.aspx.

FEI Online Press kits

Extensive information on the P.S.I. FEI European Jumping Championships, Blue Hors FEI European Dressage Championships and JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championships, can be found in the FEI’s Online Press Kit Zone: www.feipresskits.org. Each press kit includes an event preview, athlete biographies, competition timetable, Championships history and key contact details.

FEI TV

The P.S.I. FEI European Jumping Championships and Blue Hors FEI European Dressage Championships will be live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform, starting on 20 August at 16.45 local time – see the complete live schedule here: www.feitv.org/live. Key performances and interviews with medal winners will be available as video-on-demand from the JYSK FEI European Para-Dressage Championships.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Herning:

Britt Carlsen
Press Officer
bc@wiegaarden.dk
+45 96 570 580

At FEI:

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

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Hugh Graham Captures $50,000 Grand Prix at CSI2* Orangeville International

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Hugh Graham and Distant Star 3E won the $50,000 CSI2* Zucarlos Grand Prix. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Orangeville, Ontario – Canadian Olympian Hugh Graham saved the best for last, winning the $50,000 CSI2* Zucarlos Grand Prix, presented by Kubota Canada & Stewart’s Equipment, on Sunday, August 18, at the CSI2* Orangeville International Show Jumping Tournament in Orangeville, ON.  Held for the second year at the Orangeville Agricultural Society (OAS) Event Centre, the CSI2* Orangeville International is produced by Hayes Co.

Graham of Schomberg, ON, was the last to go, mastering the first round track set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela to make it seven for the jump-off.  As the final rider to return for the jump-off, Graham knew exactly what he had to do to win, and the 64-year-old veteran rose to the challenge, shaving almost three seconds off the leading time.

“I thought it was a nice course,” said Graham of the track set in a large grass field.  “Leopoldo got seven clean, which was more than I thought he would get as it was technical enough.  The jump-off track was nice; it had some different options in it.  I was very efficient, and it worked out well for me.  It didn’t hurt that I went last, too.”

Fresh off her recent appearance at the North American Young Riders’ Championship where she was Canada’s top finisher placing eighth overall, Jacqueline Steffens of Harriston, ON, was the first rider to post a clear round over the shortened jump-off track.  Riding Quercus Van Generhese, a 13-year-old bay Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by her family’s Double C Farm, the 19-year-old set the early time to beat at 48.19 seconds.

Two horses later, Roberto Teran and Woklahoma, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, took over top spot after crossing the timers in 46.51 seconds.  As the final challenger, Graham had the final say, taking the win in 43.64 seconds with Distant Star 3E, a horse formerly campaigned by Teran when he rode for KingRidge Stables.

“I knew what I had to do, and I knew what my horse could do,” said Graham of the 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse mare owned and bred by KingRidge Stables of King, ON.  “It’s a great horse, it’s been in the ribbons every class this year, and this is its third or fourth win.  I’ve been riding it the last couple of years.  We bred it, Roberto showed it for the first few years when he worked for us, and then I took over.  It’s always proved that it wants to be a winner.  It’s quick enough, nice stride, well-broke, handy.  It’s very competitive.”

For Graham, it was especially nice to compete so close to home.

“It’s a dream for me,” he smiled.  “All of these shows are right in our neighbourhood.”

The Orangeville Agricultural Society (OAS) Event Centre boasts a grass field, which is becoming rare in show jumping sport as many competition venues are opting for the more easily maintained and weather-friendly all-weather footing.

“It’s nice to have a change for sure, and we don’t see grass very often,” noted Graham, who made his Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.  “It’s nice to compete on grass; it gets you prepared for when you have to jump on grass at venues like Spruce Meadows, and that’s important.  Orangeville is now the only place we have to jump on grass in Ontario.”

Two-time Olympian Jay Hayes, who Co-Chairs the Orangeville International alongside his wife, Shawn, noted, “People enjoyed jumping on this huge surface, the size of the ring is 400’ x 300’, which is the biggest in eastern Canada.  All of the exhibitors really loved Leopoldo’s open courses; galloping on the grass in the huge open field is what it’s all about.  That’s where our sport came from, and that where it has to go.”

Hayes was especially pleased with the final day of competition, noting, “Leopoldo set a very nice track, the sun was shining, our sponsor tent was full, and it was beautiful weather.  Special thanks to Kubota Canada and Stewart’s Equipment, special thanks to Trish Crang and Highland Meadows, and special thanks to the Aziz family and Iron Horse Farm.  Without our sponsors, we couldn’t have sport.”

John Gilliland, General Manager, Sales and Marketing for Kubota Canada, and Rob Allison, National Marketing Manager for Kubota Canada, were on-hand to make the presentation to Graham, joined by Ed Stewart of Stewart’s Equipment, a local Kubota dealership based in Erin, ON.  The $50,000 CSI2* Zucarlos Grand Prix, presented by Kubota Canada & Stewart’s Equipment, is named in memory of the legendary show jumping horse Zucarlos, Hayes’ mount at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Roberto Teran guided Woklahoma to victory in the $25,000 Hayes Co. Grand Prix
Roberto Teran guided Woklahoma to victory in the $25,000 Hayes Co. Grand Prix

Earlier in the week, Teran of Colombia took the top two places in the $25,000 Hayes Co. Open Welcome held Friday, August 16, following a 12-horse jump-off.  Teran guided Woklahoma to victory for the ARK Partners LLC and also finished second riding ADC Chef Z for owner Bob Suriwka.  Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, settled for third with Cantera and fourth with Brooklyn Blues while 2008 Olympic team silver medalist of King City, ON, rounded out the top five riding Vannety B for Silver Bay Holdings.

Karina Aziz of Hamilton, ON, topped a three-horse jump-off to win Saturday’s $10,000 1.40m Highland Meadows Modified Grand Prix riding Fleur Rooster van Betz for Iron Horse Farm.  Ryan Roy of King City, ON, took second with Limbo 124 while Hayes rounded out the top three riding Leondias for owner and class sponsor, Trish Crang.  Graham and In The Money 3E took fourth while Aziz and a second mount, Chacco’s Goldy, placed fifth.

Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2012, the CSI2* Orangeville International attracted top competitors, including numerous Olympians, to the 84-acre OAS Event Center.  Spectators enjoyed the excitement from the ringside ‘Champions Pub’ where Pommies Dry Cider was flowing.

Having formerly organized show jumping tournaments in Sutton, Collingwood and Ottawa, the Hayes family’s Hayes Co. celebrated its 29th year by mounting the international show jumping event in its hometown of Orangeville.  Two-time Canadian Olympian Jay Hayes, his wife Shawn, and their three daughters, Lauren, Ainsley and Regan, and son-in-law Johan Letimonier, all call Orangeville home.

Hayes Co. would like to thank all of the sponsors who make the Orangeville International possible through their generous support: Antarés, Best Western Inn & Suites Orangeville, Blackbird, Casillero del Diablo, Cavalier Transportation Services, Champion Shavings, Dutch Masters, Equestrian Factory Outlet, Equitex, Friends of the Tournaments, Glen Echo Nurseries, Hearn Veterinary Services, Henry Equestrian Insurance, Highland Meadows, Highlands National Leasing, Horse Sport, Iron Horse Farm, Kubota Canada, Luke Proulx Farrier Services, Martha W. Jolicoeur/Illustrated Properties, McKee-Pownall, Mill Street, NationWide Auto Warranty, Nobelton Feed Mill, Olive Media, Omega Alpha, Orangeville Citizen, Patrón XO Café, Pommies Dry Cider, Premier Marine, Rock Garden Farms, Rogers TV, Sarkis Equine Design, St. Remy, Stewart’s Equipment, Stonewood Construction Management, the Mitton/Lewtas Family, Thompson, Tooze, McLean &Elkin, and Wentworth Stables.

The CSI2* Orangeville International is pleased to offer a portion of proceeds to the Headwaters Hospital in Orangeville, its charity partner for 2013.

For more information on the Orangeville Show Jumping Tournaments, including full results, please visit www.hayesco.ca, or e-mail info@hayesco.ca.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Darst Finishes One-Two in USHJA National Hunter Derby at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Meredith Darst and Lightning Z. Photo by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 18, 2013 – A week of the nation’s best hunter derby competition came to a close today at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show with the final hunter highlight event, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Today’s USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Horse Park marked the fifth event in the seven-part Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, throughout which Meredith Darst has been extremely successful. She currently stands as the leading junior in the series, and she widened that lead today. Darst finished first in the 42-horse class aboard Lightning Z and second in the class aboard last week’s second place finisher, Capstone. Finishing in third place were Kelli Cruciotti and Premonition, owned by Serenity Farm of Elizabeth, CO.

Following the completion of the first hunter round, Darst sat in the fourth place position aboard Capstone, owned by Norgan, Inc. of Wellington, FL, and in first place aboard Lightning Z, owned by her family’s Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH.

She and Capstone came into the second round with a score of 86 prepared to demonstrate their abilities over the handy course. The course utilized a trot jump, provided a number of opportunities for tight inside turns and set the high option fences in such a way that they were separate from the low options, requiring different tracks.

Again electing to take all four of the high options, Darst and Capstone moved into the lead with a handy round score of 89, for a 175 overall.

Kelli Cruciotti returned for the handy round in third place aboard rookie derby mount Premonition.

“This was his first time ever doing a hunter derby,” Cruciotti said of the 8-year-old gelding. “He’s rather green so I was very, very thrilled with how he jumped and handled all of the brush and the jumps.”

Cruciotti continued: “For the handy I obviously wanted to try to win and step up, but at the same time, I wanted to give my horse a positive ride that will teach him how to do it right. It was more about giving him a positive experience so that I can build a great derby horse.”

Cruciotti proved was able to give Premonition a confidence-building ride while also impressing the judges. The pair earned a score of 86.5, including the four high option points, to put them into position just behind Darst and Capstone in the rankings with an overall score of 174.5.

As the first round winners, Darst and Lightning Z were the last to return, and they pulled out all of the stops.

“Lightning lives with us so I know him really well,” Darst said. “I know I can do all of the turns with him. I was pretty tight to the first jump of the handy, and everywhere else that I could I took the inside turn options.”

Their expert handiness and high fence options resulted in a second round score of 91 and an overall total of 182, earning them the final victory gallop of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

Following the completion of the Hallway Feeds Series, the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success. For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

While the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show has come to a close, competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows continues on Wednesday, August 21, with the KHJA Horse Show. For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra Leap to Victory in $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix

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Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra.

Lexington, KY – August 18, 2013 – Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra returned to the Rolex Stadium with a vengeance after a close second place finish in Friday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. They edged out Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal by less than .2 seconds in the jump-off to claim the title in today’s $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington.

Eight riders from the field of 31 starters advanced to the jump-off after clear trips over the first round course set by Allen Rheinheimer. The time allowed for the first course was 92 seconds, with most competitors finishing well within that. The course included a liverpool-liverpool combination, an oxer-oxer combination, and an oxer-vertical combination.

“The course was very fair for the group of riders,” Barrios said. “Again, like Thursday, it was a mixed group – amateurs, juniors, and professionals. I think [Rheinheimer] did a great job.”

For the jump-off, riders began over the same first fence, rolled back to an oxer, returned to the first fence of the liverpool combination, jumped the oxer-vertical combination and continued down the line to the final oxer of the first round course. They finished over two new fences, a vertical and an oxer heading back toward the in-gate.

VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal, owned by Bull Run Jumpers One LLC of St. Charles, IL, were the first to tackle the jump-off course, putting them in a challenging position with several quick riders coming after them. They executed the course cleanly in a time of 37.175 seconds.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Eternal
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal

“I actually enjoy going at the beginning, though not necessarily first,” VanderVeen said. “I like to have my own plan and stick to it. I find that if I watch too many, I start to change my plan, and it always gets me at the end. So I don’t mind going first, but it was a bit of a hard jump-off. There were some really fast ones behind me. I knew that I needed to definitely lay down a fast round. I tried to take as many comfortable risks as I felt I could without compromising and having one down.”

Like Barrios, VanderVeen had been in the running for a top placing in Friday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, but she and Bull Run’s Eternal fell a few seconds short of the leaders and wound up in ninth. Today, she was determined to put herself in contention for the win.

“I thought I was quick in the jump-off on Friday, and it was shocking to me that they were three seconds faster,” she said. “That did have a bit of an effect on how aggressive I wanted to be in the jump-off today. I didn’t want to be double clean and slow and in fifth or sixth place. I really wanted to be in the top three. So I definitely pushed it.”

Following a four-fault effort from Ali Wolff and Zidane, the third place finishers in the Hagyard Lexington Classic on Friday, Barrios and Zara Leandra entered the ring. Barrios had watched VanderVeen’s round to see where he might be able to make up some ground. Although he took a similar track most of the way around the course, he was able to leave out a stride between two jumps to shave off a little time.

He and Zara Leandra completed the course in 37.024 seconds to take over the lead, and none of the final five riders were able to match his time. Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W made the best attempt, finishing in 37.543 seconds to take third.

Barrios said he enjoyed the jump-off course. “It had more options than Friday’s class for galloping and turning,” he explained. “I think it was a great course.”

Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra
Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra

He and Zara Leandra, owned by ZL Group, Inc., of Wellington, FL, have had a very successful run on the Kentucky circuit, racking up wins throughout the summer. Their strong results have helped Barrios lead the Hagyard Challenge Series standings by an impressive margin.

“She’s going to have a little rest and then we’re going to do some indoors,” Barrios said. “Then she’s going to rest in December and January. I think I’m going to start her in the middle of WEF, maybe Week 5 or 6. She has done a lot this year, and she still has a little more to do this year.”

“She’s only 9,” he added. “She’s really fast now in the jump-off, and she’s looking for the next jump, which she just learned to do not too long ago. Now she’s just right on it in the jump-off. I think that’s a big difference. To be honest, her jump is always much better in the jump-off – she likes to go a little fast.”

“I want to thank all my team for all they have done this summer,” Barrios concluded. “They are a big part of all the success that we have.”

While the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show has come to a close, competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows continues on Wednesday, August 21, with the KHJA Horse Show. For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Polo

Team Gstaad Palace Is Victorious in the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Final 2013

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Sunday 18 August 2013 – The 2013 Hublot Polo Gold Cup concluded with a stunning finale as Team Gstaad Palace took the elusive title of 2013 Champion knocking Team Hublot in to runner-up position after an invigorating contest which ended 8-7. Third spot was claimed by Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, winning the day’s earlier fixture by 7 goals to 6 ahead of Team Star Design.

The Final could not have been a fiercer fight between two incredible teams, Team Gstaad Palace and Team Hublot. The players and ponies jostled for the lead continuously with each taking their turn at the top. In the end it all came to a head in the final 30 seconds when Eduardo Menendez scored a spectacular goal off the back of a penalty taking Team Gstaad Palace’s total score to 8 goals, just one ahead of Team Hublot, and secured victory and the 2013 title for this consistently high quality team. This is the second time they have stood atop of the podium at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad and it has no doubt left them hungry for the 2014 title.

The battle for 3rd and 4th position took place earlier in the day. It was an exceedingly intense match that went to a 5th Chukka decider. With the lead constantly changing throughout the match, the crowd was enthralled and the result went right to the wire. The final decider came in the form of a magnificent golden goal by Marcos Riglos securing victory and overall 3rd place for Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA. Team Star Design put up a fierce fight but in the end had to settle for 4th place. Final score – 7 goals to 6.

Man of the match:

Pro – Santi Cernadas (Team Gstaad Palace)

Amateur – Cedric Schweri (Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA)

Top Goal Scorer:
Marcos Riglos (Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA) with 30 goals

Pony of the match:
Belon (Eduardo Menendez – Team Gstaad Palace)

This past weekend has seen four days of sizzling polo competition in the dramatic setting of Gstaad nestled in Bernese Oberland. It is therefore no surprise that the Teams, Spectators and Tournament Organisers alike are eagerly awaiting the 2014 edition – more information on the Hublot Polo Gold Cup can be found at www.pologstaad.ch, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pologstaad, or on twitter at www.twitter.com/pologstaad.

Quotes

Gualtiero Giori, Team Captain Gstaad Palace:
“The match was so close but in the end a beautiful victory! We took the lead in the initial chukka but then they came right back at us, it was a roller-coaster of a polo match! In the end, everything came down to the last 30 seconds, the suspense was intense – but this is Gstaad! This is our 4th Final and our 2nd win. The most memorable part of match was when we fought so hard to defend an attack from Team Hublot right on the line – we just about managed to get the ball away and in doing so we managed to score ourselves!”

Cedric Schweri, Team Captain Banque Barin Brothers Sturdza SA:
“It was an intense match, very tight between the two teams. I am so pleased with today’s victory! Star Design beat us on Thursday so we were able to get our own back today! I am really happy with the way I played and I tried my very best not to get in the way too much of my team’s pro-players! I really do hope I get the chance to come back next year.”

For further information, please contact:

ComPeaR, Magali Dubois Vaucher
press@pologstaad.ch
Tel +41 78 608 03 23

Polo Club Gstaad
Nathalie Daenzer
info@pologstaad.ch
Tel: +41 33 744 07 40 or visit: www.polo-gstaad.ch

The Polo Club of Gstaad was founded in 1995 and the first polo tournament was held in 1996.
In 2006 Pierre Genecand became President of both the Club and the Tournament. Hublot joined force in 2008.
In Polo handicap vary from -2 to +10 (10 being the highest level). Only a few Argentinian players have a 10 handicap.
The tournament takes place on the Gstaad Saanen airport field. Free entrance.
Shops and Kinder Paradise will be open in the Official Village on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11h onwards.

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

Eventing/H.T., FEI, FEI, World Equestrian Games

Eventing Completes Second of Test Event Series for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

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Vittoria Panizzon and Merlots Magic led from start to finish to claim victory in the Eventing test event at Haras du Pin and Caen in the build-up to next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. (Photo: Roland Thunholm/FEI)

Caen (FRA), 18 August 2013 – Eventing, the second in the 2013 series of test events for next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, finished in Caen (FRA) today with victory for Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon and Merlots Magic, winners of the Irish CCI2* at Ballindenisk last September.

The Italian Air Force rider, who celebrates her 30th birthday next month, led after Dressage and held on to the top spot overnight with a classical Cross Country clear round on Pierre Michelet’s 26-fence track that made the most of the spectacular countryside at Haras du Pin.

The horse inspection was held at Haras du Pin at 7.30 this morning prior to transporting the horses up to the Centre Equestre de Caen for the final Jumping phase. Just one fence separated the top three going into today’s test and, when both the Australian challengers, Christopher Burton (Graf Liberty) and Andrew Hoy (Cheeky Calimbo) lowered the second element of the double of verticals, Panizzon was given a bit of breathing space. Incredibly, Merlots Magic hit the same fence, but the Italian pair kept it together to clear the final two fences for the win.

Andrew Hoy held on to take second place, but fellow Australian Christopher Burton dropped one place to fourth behind Maxime Livio, whose clear with Qalao Des Mers left him best of the home side in third.

“I’m really thrilled,” Panizzon said after the prize giving, “as he’s not the best show jumper. I’ve never been to Haras du Pin before, and it’s a fabulous setting and a really beautiful course. I’m sure the Games will be well attended next year and if we can get the same level of support and the same atmosphere as there was in London last year it will be fantastic.”

The test event allowed the organising committee to test out the numerous technical and logistical challenges involved in staging a CCI at two different venues, including the transport between Haras du Pin and Caen. With 44 horses and riders from 20 National Federations, it was also vital to trial the 78 kilometre route in full convoy before next year’s Games.

“I was very concerned about the convoy,” Eventing Discipline Manager Jean-Marc Varillon said, “but Peden Bloodstock did a fantastic job and now I’m really confident about the convoy for next year. I was also very happy with the Cross Country course. We did a lot of work on the ground and we expect it to be perfect for 2014. Overall, we have all the basics and now we can work on the details.”

Laurent Cellier, Sports Director for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014, was also very happy with this second test event. “We know that we have a lot of work to do for 2014, but the feedback from the National Federations has been very good. It was most important to test the convoy, the technology, the footing and the track, as well as the volunteers and the competition team. Now we know exactly what we need to do to organise the best Games next year.”

“It was a really good test event,” FEI Director Eventing Catrin Norinder said. “The organisers pulled their team together really well and it was very useful for the National Federations to get an understanding of how the organisation works, and also for the organising committee to understand their concerns as well. There are so many different elements involved in these huge events, and the test events are an essential part of making sure that everything works.”

The Eventing competition was the second in the series of test events that will be staged by the organising committee in the build-up to next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The third test event, Driving, takes centre stage at the Hippodrome in Caen next week (23-25 August), while the main venue at Stade d’Ornano will be used for the Jumping and Dressage test events in June 2014.

CCI2* Haras du Pin/Caen (FRA) test event – 1, Vittoria Panizzon (ITA), Merlots Magic, 45.6; 2, Andrew Hoy (AUS), Cheeky Calimbo, 46.1; 3, Maxime Livio (FRA), Qalao Des Mers, 47.9; 4, Christopher Burton (AUS), Graf Liberty, 48.1; 5, Kevin McNabb (AUS), Casperelli, 48.1; 6, Martin Denisot (FRA), Quiro Hoy, 50.2.

Full results are available here.

Media Contacts:

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 Organising Committee:
presse@normandie2014.com
+33 1 47 72 81 41
+33 6 18 41 30 28

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

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Boston Pride Reigns as O’Shea Wins $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix at Fieldstone Summer Showcase I

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Paul O’Shea and Instant Karma. Photos By: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – August 17, 2013 – The luck of the Irish was with Paul O’Shea this afternoon at the Fieldstone Show Park as he piloted Instant Karma to the victory in the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, presented by Gallo Dark Horse Wine, Ocean Spray and Samuel Adams, narrowly beating Boston Bruins owner, Charlie Jacobs. Not only did O’Shea claim the win, but because of his back to back victories, he nailed down the inaugural $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus check. Hometown girl Kristen Bumpus rode Cupid to the third place finish, making today a day to remember for Boston at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase I. Spectators looked upon the all-grass Grand Prix Field for the fourth day of the event, filling the sidelines as they felt the building anticipation as 26 entrants attempted the challenging course.

The first round course was one for the books, with only three riders navigating the 16 efforts to find their spot in the jump-off. Philip J De Vita of Apopka, FL, designed the course for the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, promising an eventful track for the horse and rider combinations. The course featured an opening triple bar, several double combinations, and bending lines. De Vita asked many questions of the riders, setting obstacles set atop the bank and table on the side of the field, as well as placing a tall vertical inside the grob. One of the challenges on the course was to complete a series of three elements representing the pride of Boston, their prestigious sports teams. An entire combination was made of a Boston Bruins vertical, A Boston Celtics vertical to a Boston Red Sox oxer. Although there was no true bogey fence, 12 riders found fault at the final oxer-liverpool obstacle.

“For $50,000 the class had to have some integrity,” De Vita explained. “The time allowed was a little snug; the course was spot on for a big field. It had a lot of 1.50m spreads, but I think it was difficult enough. It was a good class; I was very happy. Nothing was really a big bogey jump, there were plenty of big jumps, the triple bar was a run-up-and-get-it — it really got you going, and that was my intention. I love starting on a triple bar. I think that it was a good class. I was tickled to death at the outcome. It was my style of a lot of triples, serpentines, a lot of good approaches but straight to the jumps.”

Kristen Bumpus and Cupid
Kristen Bumpus and Cupid

Kristen Bumpus and Cupid, the seventh to take on the first round course, became first to master the tough track. She was the initial rider to return to the ring out of the three qualified contenders to take on the short course.

The shortened track opened over the large oxer set near the in-gate, and rider then had to take the Unbridled Passion vertical after a sharp left turn and bend to the large Fieldstone oxer below the bank. Upon landing they then made a right turn to the vertical-vertical double combination set on the diagonal, made a left turn over the triple bar set between brick walls and made a left turn through the final vertical-oxer line to break the beam and seal their fate.

Bumpus unfortunately had a refusal at the second obstacle of the jump-off, but they completed the course sans faults upon clearing it. They incurred four faults for their drive-by, as well as two time faults for their final time of 56.681 seconds.

“He’s been a little bit of a project, he’s very quirky and has a lot of rules that I need to follow in order for him to be good,” Bumpus smiled. “I just recently worked with Margie Engle to try to break some bad habits that I have with him trying to overprotect him; he’s a quirky horse. Honestly, I would have been happy just completing the course and not looking like I didn’t belong there; I’m so thrilled for my horse and myself to be in company like that.”

Bumpus continued, “My heart rate rose a bit down the vertical-vertical combination; we had a hard rub, but he tends to rub a lot of jumps; that’s how he jumps. He’s not a super; he doesn’t have a huge jump all the time, but he’s perfected the skim. Most of the time when he’s rubbing them they don’t fall down.”

Paul O’Shea had nearly qualified for the jump-off with three of his mounts, including the winner of the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Planning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak last week, Primo De Revel. Unfortunately, four faults kept Primo De Revel and Wizz out of the jump-off. He did ride to a clean first round aboard Instant Karma, owned by himself and Michael Hayden, and when he entered the Grand Prix Field, he was riding to win, leaving absolutely nothing to chance on the turf today. Instant Karma won the $20,000 Welcome Stake for O’Shea last week at Silver Oak.

“Instant Karma needs a good canter and I have to keep her focused and forward at the base of the jump,” O’Shea explained. “I had her here last year, and she was a little nervous. She has really come along a lot, and she has really matured. She is relaxed all the time now, and she has really grown up. I think the best is ahead for her. I had a good feeling with her; I thought she could do it. We were unlucky with Primo De Revel with the four faults, but he jumped great, too. I have all the faith in the world in my horses, and she was all there for me today.”

The Irish could be proud of their rider this afternoon as he took the inside options, and answered the many questions that we asked of him along the course. He made a speedy inside turn to the double combination, as well as excluding a stride from the final vertical-oxer line. He broke the beam in 43.875 seconds, setting the pace for Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star.

O’Shea explained, “Charlie’s horse is very fast, so I knew had to give it a good go. I had to take all of the options, turn inside, give it a good go, and leave out a stride in the last line. She really tried for me out there.”

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star
Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star

All of the pressure fell on Jacobs as he entered the ring aboard his hot-blooded 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Flaming Star. If he could take on the track without any rails falling to the ground, and surpass O’Shea with a speedy jump-off, the lion’s share of the prize money would be his, and O’Shea would lose the $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus. Jacobs was hot on O’Shea’s heels, erupting from the in-gate with a quick speed and taking all of the fences with ease. Although he wanted to catch the Irish rider, he focused on accuracy, not daring to test the fates with a possible fault. He tripped the timers in 46.295 seconds for the second place finish.

“What a remarkable two weeks to him,” Jacobs expressed of O’Shea’s win. “Obviously I was hoping to be riding for the rider bonus having jumped clean last week. I’m using this horse show as a set up to go to Spruce Meadows in two weeks, and I didn’t necessarily want to send my horse off his feet until we get to the 1.60m.  I wasn’t prepared to go belly to the ground.”

“Flaming Star is spoiled, as he deserves to be spoiled. He gives it his all, and he’s also a stoic horse, he’s tough as nails, he’s a great friend and has been a great partner for a number of years,” Jacobs said. “This is like the last chapter of our summer travels so we spend the most time here at the show grounds just having fun; I get to jump in a class next week with my kids, so it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a great show, and it only keeps getting better.”

Irishman O’Shea came to the United States three years ago in October, and he has had nothing short of a phenomenal two weeks. Although it was Primo De Revel who won him the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Panning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, he knew that today was Instant Karma’s time to shine. The young mare had a multitude of fans to pat her and offer her celebratory compliments, but it was co-owner Michael Hayden who received her affections. The dedicated owner took a plane from Ireland the night before to watch her go in the Grand Prix today, and he could not have been happier as he stood next to the brilliant bay with her blue ribbon waving in the brisk Massachusetts breeze.

“She was bought by Paul as a yearling with a friend of ours, and I stepped in to buy 50 percent of the mare when she was a 3-year-old, and she didn’t seem very promising so she was thrown out into the field,” Hayden laughed. “Our mistake – when we brought her back as a 5-year-old it turned out she was a bit of a super star. I kept her in Ireland for a bit, and I brought her back to Paul about two years ago. I decided to travel from Ireland to here at 9 a.m. yesterday morning to see her take the win today, and I fly back tomorrow at this time. Luckily her win will pay for it all.”

Not only did O’Shea win the majority of the $50,000 purse, but he also pocketed the $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus. The rider bonus is the brainchild of Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Chairman Jeff Papows and Fieldstone Show Park CEO Scott Clawson. McLain Ward had mentioned the idea to Papows, and the two show directors jumped at the opportunity to expand their horizons and offer a rider bonus.

“It feels incredible to win that bonus,” O’Shea concluded. “It is fantastic that Jeff and Scott put that up. It was a great idea, and they deserve a lot of credit for running two fantastic shows. I will absolutely be back next year. I think a lot of people will come to these shows next year, and they should, because they are great shows and they are going to grow and grow. These shows have the true makings of a Summer Circuit in New England.”

The Fieldstone Summer Showcase I will conclude tomorrow with the $10,000 GGT Footing 3’3″ Hunter Derby on Sunday, Aug. 18. The hunter riders will take to the grass field for Derby Day, where spectators can watch the exciting action at 1 p.m. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Reid Patton Prevails in High Junior Jumpers with Twisther at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Reid Patton and Twisther.

Lexington, KY – August 17, 2013 – Reid Patton is rapidly developing a strong partnership with new mount Twisther, and the pair demonstrated their promise with a convincing score in the High Junior Jumpers at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Allen Rheinheimer’s course proved to be a tough test for the High Juniors as well as the High Amateur Owner Jumpers: no riders in either division were clear in the first round.

Patton and five other riders who had achieved four-fault first rounds returned for the jump-off to determine the final placing. Patton went clear and fast in a time of 41.287 seconds to take the win. The High Amateur Owner Jumpers came down to three four-fault riders in the jump-off, where the best performance belonged to Mary Meghann Huitt and her own Honfleur, who finished in 42.415 seconds for the victory in that division.

Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante were the first to return in the jump-off for the High Junior Jumpers, and they set a solid pace of 43.135 seconds. Isabelle Caccamise and Catwalk 19 were next to go and finished in 43.136 seconds, just a thousandth of a second behind Cruciotti. Patton and Twisther then entered the ring and laid down their time of 41.287 seconds to best the leading score by nearly two seconds.

Two more pairs, Lucas Porter with Mill’s Georgia and Alexander Devries with Esquina Van Klapscheut, gave the course a shot but incurred jumping faults and fell behind the leaders. Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan were the last to go. They set a speedy pace that threatened Patton’s lead, but a rail at the final fence dropped them down to fourth and ensured the win for Patton.

Patton showed Twisther for the first time at Trader’s Point, competing in a High Schooling Jumper class and a Low Junior Jumper speed class. She moved him up to the High Junior Jumpers on Friday, and today marked their second class together at that level.

Reid Patton and Twisther
Reid Patton and Twisther

“I really clicked with him today,” Patton said. “The whole course rode pretty smoothly. I accidentally left out a stride in the five-stride line because his stride is so big. That was the only little blip in the first round.”

Patton was pleasantly surprised by Twisther’s effort when they returned for the jump-off. “I’d never done a jump-off on him before, so when I started turning, he just turned on his haunches and was so fast,” she said. “I was shocked that my horse was turning and going this fast! I’m so glad we have him in our barn.”

“We’re really excited about the new horse for next year for Reid,” Cara Cheska, Patton’s trainer, said. “He came from John and Chris McCrea, and my husband, Donald Cheska, owns him.”

Patton also rides with Tom Wright and Hayley Barnhill, focusing on the hunters and equitation with them and going to the Cheskas for guidance in the jumpers.

“It’s a team effort for sure,” Patton said. “It’s funny when we’re in the schooling area and everyone’s present. There are eight people standing by the jump – grooms, trainers, parents, barn members. It’s a posse.”

“Reid has a lot of trainers, and she does a good job keeping each horse with each trainer,” Cheska said. “It’s hard to have a lot of voices on you. But it’s very supportive. Everyone roots for each other.”

Patton has been getting to know Twisther with the help of her trainers. She looks forward to continuing to compete him in the High Junior Jumpers and then later moving into the High Amateur Jumpers.

“He’s a little bit more downhill than my other horses, but he has such a bounding stride,” she described. “When I first got on him, I thought that was a little off-putting because I didn’t think he’d be very adjustable. But although he has a huge stride, he’s very responsive. Anything I want to do, I trust that he’s going to be there for me. He’s very honest and scopey and careful, which is I think a perfect combination for a High Junior and eventually a High Amateur.”

Mary Meghann Huitt and Honfleur
Mary Meghann Huitt and Honfleur

Mary Meghann Huitt and Honfleur took home the prize in the High Amateur Owner Jumpers today, putting in a solid first round and then racing through a quick jump-off round against the other two four-faulters. Huitt said her first round went well, but a forward first line resulted in difficulty in the approach to the third fence.

“My horse was backing off the first jump a little, which is unusual for her,” Huitt explained. “I had to get after her and lengthen my stride and add a lot of pace to the first jump, which actually worked out well – that line walked a little long, so five strides worked well. We came off that line with a lot of pace, so the right turn back to jump three, which is a pretty tall vertical, just got too long. Unfortunately she rubbed that one and it came down. The rest of the course rode pretty smoothly.”

Huitt was on her way back to the barn when she got the word that there would be a jump-off between the three four-faulters to determine the winner. She returned to the ring with a plan to keep all the fences up while setting a good pace.

“In the jump-off, I decided to ride the first line the same way,” she said. “I rode in boldly and walked right down the five strides. We made a nice clean, quick turn to jump three, and she kept that one up. Then we did a quick turn back to 12 and had to land off that and do another quick turn. She recovered from a little slip and ran right down to the triple and jumped it great. I was glad to see her jump the last jump clear, especially with it being a plank.”

Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2 also finished with a clear round in the jump-off, taking 44.576 seconds to complete the course. They took home second place. Anna Hallene and Wocello had jumping and time faults in the jump-off and settled for third.

Huitt trains with her mother, Robin Huitt, as well as Kels Bonham. She is based in Savannah, GA, and primarily competes in Florida and Georgia, but came to Kentucky for two weeks. She has had Honfleur for over a year, and her ultimate goal for the mare is to compete in 1.45m grand prixs.

“She’s awesome,” Huitt said of Honfleur. “She’s really brave. She is hot, and she’s got a lot of power and speed. She’s a really, really good horse and is super fun to ride.”

Junior and amateur riders return for the Amateur Owner/Junior Jumper High and Low Classics on Sunday. The final day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show will also feature the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix and the USHJA National Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information on the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and all of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Liza Boyd Named 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Liza Boyd and Brunello. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 17, 2013 – Liza Boyd and Brunello have consistently been top contenders at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, but they have always come just short of the victory. Tonight at the Kentucky Horse Park Boyd and Brunello made the shot when it really counted, finally securing the win and earning the title of 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tier I Champions. With a huge smile on her face, Boyd led the victory gallop in the Rolex Stadium with reserve champion Kelley Farmer following aboard Mythical.

“I don’t know where to start,” Boyd said following her win. “I’m really happy with the horse. He was third one year and second last year. He really deserves it; he’s amazing.”

Rounding out the top four in this year’s prestigious USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show were Kelsie Brittan on Argentum and Shawn Casady aboard Ascot. Their finishes also earned them the top two spots in the overall Tier II standings.

The tier system was newly introduced this year with the hope of creating opportunities for riders to vie for more prize money and for different riders to see a share of that prize money. The 20 highest money earning riders from throughout the year were placed into Tier I, while other contenders qualified as Tier II riders for the shot at additional prize money.

Following yesterday’s Classic Hunter Round, the 30 highest scoring riders, no matter what their tier designation, returned to compete in tonight’s Tier I Handy Hunter Round and vie for the overall honors.

Riders returned in reverse order of their rankings from yesterday to compete over tonight’s Steve Stephens designed course, which included four higher option fences. Prior to the start of the class, Stephens took the crowd and exhibitors alike through a narrated course walk, which eventual winner Boyd took to heart.

“I tried to listen when Steve talked about how he wanted the course to ride,” Boyd said. “He said, ‘This is a jumping contest. I don’t want the course to win. I want the riders and the horses to win.’ There were no traps. It was really, really well done. I kind of took that to heart, what Steve said. He designed it so he knew what he wanted and had in mind, and that helped me. You needed scope, and you needed to be careful, which is what these derbies are supposed to be.”

Of the eventual top four finishers, Casady and Ascot, owned by HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA, were the first to return. Casady picked up a strong canter out of the in-gate and headed straight to the first fence, positioned down the centerline of the ring. The pair continued seamlessly from there. They came into the day in seventh place, but their Handy Hunter Round scores of 84, 85, and 85.75 plus handy bonus scores of 4, 8 and 5 earned them a round total of 283.75, including all four high option fences. That score, coupled with their score of 266.10 from Friday’s Classic Hunter Round, shot them to the top of the leaderboard with an overall score of 549.85.

Kelley Farmer and Mythical
Kelley Farmer and Mythical

Farmer and Mythical, owned by Larry Glefke and Kenneth Garber of Keswick, VA, finished Friday’s round in sixth place, positioning them to return immediately following Casady.

Farmer is well known for her handiness and daring inside turns in the handy round, and earlier in the night she tried an extremely tight inside turn aboard her first mount, On Q. When that resulted in a rail down, she, and the other riders knew that option was better left alone.

“Liza and I were talking about that turn earlier,” Farmer said. “I said, I’m going to try it with On Q, and we’re all going to know a) whether it’s possible b) whether it’s going to work or c) whether we even need it.”

With Mythical, Farmer proved that the tight inside turn was not needed to still be extremely handy, as they earned handy bonus scores of 10, 8 and 8. Those were added to scores of 89, 88.5 and 89 plus all four high options for a Handy Hunter Round score of 304.50. Casady’s lead was short-lived as Farmer jumped straight to the top of the list with an overall score of 571.75.

“He’s an amazing animal,” Farmer said of Mythical, who is currently competing as a First Year Green Hunter. “He tries to step up on the biggest stages. Every time it gets hard or it gets big, you call on him, and he gives you his all. I can’t ask any more of him. He’s an amazing horse. He does not let you down.”

Returning in the fourth place position were 17-year-old Kelsie Brittan and her mount Argentum. The talented young rider soared over all four of the high options, earning handy bonus points of 6, 7 and 5 and scores of 85, 85.25 and 84.75 for a Handy Hunter Round total of 285. Their grand total of 553.50 earned them the third place finish.

“I’ve just been doing the Juniors Hunters on him this year,” Brittan said of Argentum.  “Every now and then there would be a derby in Texas or in Michigan, and I’d say, ‘Okay, well, I’ll do it.’ I’ve been a little chicken. I’ve been just doing the small options, playing it safe. I’m here, so of course I’m going to try and be like all of the top riders and do all of the big jumps. I just had to really trust him tonight, and yesterday too. I just had to let him show off, and not ride it like a Junior Hunter anymore. I had to ride him more like a derby horse. It’s a big adjustment for me.”

Her trust in Argentum and his trust in her were apparent throughout the class and did not go unnoticed by the judges.

“I saw them in the pouring rain in Florida last winter,” judge Danny Robertshaw said. “I was talking to her mother. I said it then, and I said it yesterday and today – it is so much fun when you see a horse that loves his rider as much as he loves her.”

Following Brittan and Argentum, last year’s defending champions Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy entered the ring. They looked like they could win it again until an unfortunate rail hit the ground midway through the course.

While luck sadly was not with Alfano, she did share some luck with the next to enter the ring, Boyd and Brunello, co-owned by Boyd and Janet Peterson.

“Jennifer Alfano called me this morning and said, ‘I have a gift for you,'” Boyd shared.  “She had found a ton of four leaf clovers, and she gave me one. That was so nice. It’s so much fun that the sportsmanship is that good. She was really genuine, and it was special to have.”

Boyd had another special token of good luck for her round: a necklace her mother purchased for her at last year’s USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. The necklace reads, “Make the shot when it counts,” and that’s exactly what she did. She and Brunello earned scores of 84.25, 93 and 88.5 plus handy bonuses of 8, 9 and 7 for a round total of 301.75 and an overall total of 577.75.

Yesterday’s front runners, Scott Stewart and Garfield, had yet to return, but when their final overall score came in as a 535.50, it was apparent that Boyd and Brunello had earned the victory gallop.

Robertshaw had high praise for Boyd and Brunello’s round following her win. “I liked the gallop right from the beginning,” Robertshaw said. “The horse’s ears pricked looking for the jumps. There wasn’t a jump where his hind end wasn’t a foot and a half higher, finishing the arc and landing with his neck out and galloping away. She never pulled the reins and just went right to the next one. It was all forward movement like it’s supposed to be. She knows him, and she puts her heart right into it. He takes it and believes it, and it worked. It’s just exciting to watch that.”

Earlier in the day, those who did not make the top 30 cut for the Tier I Handy Round had the opportunity to compete in the $10,000 Consolation Round, sponsored by Moyer Farm LLC. Winning the consolation class was Scott Stewart aboard Declaration, owned by Fashion Farm LLC, while Victoria Colvin and Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, finished in second.

The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show concludes tomorrow with highlight events for both hunters and jumpers. In the hunter ring, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds UHSJA National Hunter Derby will wrap up this week’s prestigious hunter competition. At 2 p.m., jumper riders will gather at the Rolex Stadium for the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, bringing the week to an exciting finish.

For more information on the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and all of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

To learn more about the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Finals, visit www.ushja.org.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Polo

Action Packed Semi-Finals at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad

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Saturday 17 August 2013 – The second day of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup in Gstaad saw two enthralling semi-final matches, with the players and ponies treating the enthusiastic crowd to a top class Polo spectacle. Team Gstaad Palace came out on top in the earlier match, beating Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA 10-5. In the second semi-final Team Hublot scorched to victory ahead of Team Star Design by 9 goals to 4.

Despite the superb performance of Argentine Marcos Riglos, who scored all 5 of his team’s goals, Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA had to settle for second place behind Team Gstaad Palace. A true team effort saw all 4 Gstaad Palace players make their mark on the score sheet – Gualtiero Giori (ITA) and Eduardo Menendez (ARG) finished with four each, and Riccardo Tattoni (ITA) and Santi Cernandas (ARG) made it a victorious 10, by adding a further goal apiece.

Team Hublot claimed victory and secured their place in tomorrow’s Final thanks to their feisty performance this afternoon. Argentinians Francisco Fucci and Salvatore Jauretche scored three goals respectively, whilst fellow countryman, Gonzalo Fucci, added a further two. Team Captain Daniel Aegerter (SUI), playing on home turf, also contributed one goal to the final score. Team Star Design put up a stellar fight with two goals each for both Nicolas Ruiz Guinazu (ARG) and the tournament’s top ranked player, Brazilian Olavo Novaes (Hcp. 8), but it simply wasn’t enough to see them through to compete for the overall title tomorrow – final score, 9 goals to 4.

Team Gstaad Palace will now face Team Hublot in tomorrow’s Final at 15:00 to determine which Team will be crowned the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2013 Champion. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA play Team Star Design in the 3rd place playoff at 13:30.

Quotes

Gualtiero Giori, Team Gstaad Palace – “I’m really happy; it was a very good game for the crowd to watch with a lot of goals. The pitch was perfect and probably in the best condition I have ever experienced here in Gstaad.

“The difference was made in the second chukka simply by the speed of ponies – they were outrunning the ball!

“Even though the other team came back slightly in the final chukka, we always felt under control and comfortable for the win.”

Daniel Aegerter, Captain, Team Hublot – “It was a perfect match. Everyone played well above their level. The sport simply doesn’t get any better than this, and nor does the organisation! Just brilliant.”

For further information, please contact:

ComPeaR, Magali Dubois Vaucher
press@pologstaad.ch
Tel +41 78 608 03 23

Polo Club Gstaad
Nathalie Daenzer
info@pologstaad.ch
Tel: +41 33 744 07 40 or visit: www.polo-gstaad.ch

The Polo Club of Gstaad was founded in 1995 and the first polo tournament was held in 1996.
In 2006 Pierre Genecand became President of both the Club and the Tournament. Hublot joined force in 2008.
In Polo handicap vary from -2 to +10 (10 being the highest level). Only a few Argentinian players have a 10 handicap.
The tournament takes place on the Gstaad Saanen airport field. Free entrance.
Shops and Kinder Paradise will be open in the Official Village on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11h onwards.

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