Fairburn, GA – The Merial Advanced division at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain wrapped up today with the show jumping phase at Chattahoochee Hills. Mark Donovan’s tough course had riders incurring numerous jump and time penalties with just five double clear rounds in the division. Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) and Courageous Comet had one rail down but held onto their lead to win the Merial Advanced division held in conjunction with the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship with a score of 27.7. Holder had a stellar weekend with her and husband Tom Holder’s 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, taking top honors at this year’s Championship as they did in 2010 Land Rover USEA American Eventing Championships.
It was a fitting way to end Courageous Comet’s illustrious career as Holder confirmed this was his last upper-level competition. The crowd went wild as Holder and “Comet” crossed the finish line winning the Championship and bringing a very special partnership to a close.
“He (Comet) deserves this. I believe now and have believed for a long time he is the best in his sport,” Holder said. “I appreciate the grooms, vets, trainers, selectors, USEF High Performance Committee, and everyone who has been part of shaping his career. Thanks to all the fans and to those at the Kentucky Horse Park; many of our most memorable moments were on that course and in that stadium.”
Fairburn, GA – The cross country portion of the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain (AEC) took place today for the Merial Advanced division at the lovely facility of Chattahoochee Hills. Making the time on cross country proved to be a challenge on this hot and humid day as almost the entire field incurred time penalties except for two riders. Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) was one of those riders, piloting Courageous Comet to a double clear round and keeping a firm hold on their first place position in the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship. She confidently rode “Comet,” her & husband Tom Holder’s 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, around Hugh Lochore’s championship course, increasing her lead on the rest of the field to 8.7 points.
Fairburn, GA – The top eventers from across the nation are ready to take part in the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain (AEC). The Championships are taking place at Chattahoochee Hills located in Fairburn, GA from September 6-9, 2012. The Advanced division at the AEC also plays host to the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship. With 19 U.S. entries in the Advanced division competing September 6-8, the Championship will surely be an exciting one with several of the sport’s top names as well as up-and-coming stars.