Category Archives: Global Champions Tour

Global Champions Tour, Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Highlights from GCL Super Cup and LGCT Super Grand Prix on Horse & Country TV

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Ben Maher and Explosion W. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

Prague, Czech Republic – Nov. 29, 2019 – Show jumping fans will be able to enjoy an exciting evening of thrilling sport Saturday as Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) will air highlights of both the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup and the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix back-to-back on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Hosted in the historic Czech capital Prague, also known as “the city of spires”, the awe-inspiring championship format saw top competition over four days in the O2 Arena with over 14,000 spectators. From dramatic entrances to dazzling pyrotechnic shows and top entertainment, the Global Champions Prague Playoffs was one of the year’s most thrilling equestrian events.

With a €6.4 million purse on the line, the GCL Super Cup was an intense battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. At the end of the four rounds of action, it was the Shanghai Swans who delivered stand-out performances to walk away with the lion’s share. The winning team was made up by Sweden’s Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K, Germany’s Daniel Deusser on Jasmien vd Bisschop, and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer on Cortney Cox. The full roster of the Shanghai Swans team included Shane Sweetnam, Kim Emmen, and Alexandra Thornton.

“The pressure was on and it was really exciting competition,” Fredricson said. “It was three riders on each team with no drop score – so much could happen. The best horses are here with the best riders, and it was two big courses. It was hard work but we’re finally in the spot we wanted. I didn’t believe it!”

Don’t miss the exciting action of the GCL Super Cup and find out how the other top teams including the Paris Panthers, Cannes Stars, Madrid in Motion, and Monaco Aces performed at the penultimate conclusion of the tour’s season.

Following the highlights from the GCL Super Cup and kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EST on Saturday will be the epic individual finale, the €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix. The competitors earned an invitation to compete in the class in Prague if they won one of the grand prix events earlier in the series or they had the chance to qualify by placing second or third in grand prix events throughout the year. The pressure was on during the LGCT Super Grand Prix as 18 world-class combinations navigated two rounds of a challenging course with the results still up for grabs until the last rider cleared the final fence.

It was Great Britain’s Ben Maher who proved to be unstoppable once again with his talented stallion, Explosion W. The pair won the league’s overall championship last year after solidifying the win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* and they have continued to dominate the series winning the overall 2019 LGCT championship for a second consecutive year after their stand out performance at the LGCT Grand Prix of New York CSI5* in September.

“[It was] amazing sport with top horses and riders in the world,” Maher said. “It is an amazing feeling to be able to win here with this horse and the people who are around me to make this possible. [He’s] magic. No words can explain him – what he has done over the past two years and how he has learned. He proved how good he is tonight.”

Joining Maher on the podium was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Balou du Reventon in second place while Martin Fuchs of Switzerland rode Clooney 51 into third.

If you missed any of the action from Prague or just want to relive the spectacular performances, join H&C TV to watch the exciting highlights!

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Global Champions Tour, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Creedance Fly the Flag at Close of “Amazing” LGCT New York

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Kent Farrington and Creedance. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

New York, NY – As the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty and “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out, Kent Farrington and Creedance flew the flag for the United States of America in the closing 5* thriller in New York.

The American champion’s win was a fitting climax to the sensational inaugural LGCT and GCL Finals on Governors Island, and Kent said of the event: “[It’s an] amazing setting, one of the best shows they’ve had this year and great finale to the Tour. [It’s been a] great week, amazing competition, top riders, top horses – you can’t ask for more.”

Determined to be back for next year’s LGCT of New York, he added: “I brought two amazing horses here – I thought they were good contenders. I was very happy Creedance was able to win two. I would have liked to get the Grand Prix also, but I’ll be back next year for that.”

After three days of top sport, entertainment, and perfect weather, the crowds and guests left the showground to the iconic music of Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York’. The New York stage of the team and individual championships saw Ben Maher crowned LGCT Champion repeating last year’s success and London Knights, including Maher, winning the GCL Final. Michael Bloomberg, Donna Karan, Christy Turlington, and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Andre Agassi were among the guests for the first-ever leg of the series in New York.

Kent Farrington (USA) took the win ahead of Pieter Devos (BEL) with Espoir and Harrie Smolders (NED) aboard Cas 2. Georgina Bloomberg (USA) set local hearts racing after she finished fourth with her 10-year-old gelding Chameur 137.

Julien Epaillard Races to 10th LGCT Speed Victory

Julien Epaillard lived up to his moniker as the Flying Frenchman yet again by topping the CSI5* 1.45m Speed for the 10th time this season during the final day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York.

Piloting the nine-year-old gelding Alibi de la Roque, Epaillard stopped the clock clear in an uncatchable 58.13 seconds over Bronislav Chudyba (SVK) and the aptly named New York, who broke the timers fault-free but several ticks off the pace in 61.42 seconds. Rounding out the top-three podium, Constant van Paesschen (BEL) was hungry for his second win of the weekend from the final spot in the order-of-go riding Vendetta Treize, but settled for third in 62.17 seconds with zero faults.

The one-round event against the clock featured a sizable but unassuming track by Uliano Vezzani’s (ITA). But when riders began to shave seconds off the clock with fewer strides and tight turns, the challenges presented themselves.

More info: www.gcglobalchampions.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Championships, Global Champions Tour, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Phenomenal Horsepower Propels London Knights to 2019 GCL Championship Victory

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Ben Maher and Explosion W. Photo by GCL/Stefano Grasso.

New York, NY – The power pairings of Explosion W and Ben Maher and Clooney 51 and Martin Fuchs propelled London Knights to victory in the GCL New York and the overall 2019 Championship with drama until the final seconds.

Four flawless clear rounds were delivered by the unbeatable Knights who secured a historic second GCL title win after a rollercoaster season saw their duel with St. Tropez Pirates dominate the team series this year.

The Knights finished three points ahead of St. Tropez Pirates, with a total of 326 points this year. Madrid in Motion secured third in the Championship with 303 points, with the Shanghai Swans just hanging onto their fourth place, meaning they too will fast-track to the semi-finals at the GCL Super Cup at the GC Prague Playoffs.

The dramatic backdrop of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty provided one of the greatest stages for top-level show jumping as the world’s top riders and horses competed in the LGCT and GCL Finals for the first-time ever on Governors Island.

New Yorkers and visitors to the City filled the grandstands and cheered on the teams including home city team New York Empire, owned by Georgina Bloomberg who was watched by her father and former New York Mayor Michael.

Among guests were tennis ace Andre Agassi, supermodel Christy Turlington, and fashion designer Donna Karan for the first ever LGCT event in New York.

It was all about big names, big views, and big guns as the Knights fielded their top horses in their bid to seize the GCL Championship.

“For me, I’m biased but I have an incredible horse. To team up like this is a unique concept, where can you bring these kinds of horses together from different countries and compete like this. It was memorable day that’s for sure.

I’ve been to New York a couple times before to visit. It’s an incredible city. I don’t think anyone was sure what to expect. But, when we came here, like Global Champions does, they make the logistics incredibly easy for the grooms and the horses. The accommodations and how we are all looked after is five star. For the first year, I think the show is a huge success. There were big crowds here; it was well advertised and when I came out of the ring there were many people saying they enjoyed the day so hopefully this will grow.” ~ Ben Maher

City of Dreams Delivers as Maher Takes 2019 LGCT Title in New York

It was ‘game, set, and match’ after Ben Maher (GBR) wrote history aboard Explosion W in an extraordinary Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of New York, taking the LGCT Grand Prix win and the 2019 Championship title just hours after helping to secure the GCL team series crown for the London Knights.

In the city that never sleeps it would turn out to be a superlative showdown with a script that sporting dreams are made of. With spectators filling the rafters of the grandstand and positioned in every inch of space, the equestrian world watched as the knife-edge Championship reached its conclusion on Governors Island.

Devos (BEL) lead the overall ranking by just one point, but with pressure reaching fever pitch it was Ben Maher (GBR) who kept a cool head in a seven-rider jump-off to catapult himself to the title win – his second after taking the 2018 Championship.

A beaming Ben said: “I knew it would be a tough weekend – the dream was to win the team [title] and the individual. It doesn’t happen often. What a horse – he’s incredible. He understands me, I understand him, we have a great connection, and it’s a pleasure to be in the sport like this.

“It’s incredible [to win the title for a second year running]. Last year was unexpected; this year I’ve used Explosion a little less; I’ve used Concona, Madame X and F One USA, so I’m lucky to have so many great horses and great owners.”

In a touching sporting moment, Maher praised his rival Pieter Devos, who was just beaten into second place in the Championship. “[Pieter] gave a great fight; it was a push all the way to the end. I’m sure he’s going to come back strong.”

More info: www.gcglobalchampions.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Championships, Global Champions Tour, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Championship Decider on Knife Edge as Knights Take Pole in New York

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Ben Maher of the London Knights aboard Explosion W. Photo by GCL/Stefano Grasso.

New York, NY – In a script worthy of the Broadway stage, GCL New York Round 1 saw the London Knights claim pole position – propelling themselves back into the 2019 title fight as Saturday’s Championship decider rests on a knife edge.

London Knights’ formidable combination of Martin Fuchs with Clooney 51 and Ben Maher aboard Explosion W blew away the competition in a jaw-dropping class, taking pole position and every advantage possible heading into Saturday’s showdown.

However, just one rail away after the results are the current ranking leaders St. Tropez Pirates, with Pieter Devos and Dani G. Waldman collecting just 4 faults in the complex class to put them within touching distance of a podium – and the Championship title.

In a drama-fueled day, the Shanghai Swans – who were placed second in the overall rankings so far – were eliminated from the competition after Peder Fredricson and Zacramento unexpectedly parted ways during the first round of action. Their elimination would mean the team cannot improve on their score, dropping the Swans out of contention for the title.

Martin Fuchs spoke after their round: “It helped that we have two of the best horses in the world and are in great shape, so it’s a great start. My horse Clooney is in the best shape he’s ever been now.”

Teammate and team manager Ben Maher revealed the team’s tactics: “Martin and I sat down and we had a plan this week. We have our two best horses here, and it’s the first time we’ve teamed them up together.”

But the experienced British Olympic gold medalist remained clear-headed: “One minute you can be winning, the next you can be out, and every score counts. We’ve come with one of the best teams possible this weekend to put pressure on the others, so we’ll hope to produce more clear rounds tomorrow.”

Constant van Paesschen Dazzles in LGCT New York Opener

Victory was sweet for Belgium when Constant van Paesschen and his striking 10-year-old black stallion Vendetta Treize took top call in the opening event of the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour New York. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) claimed the runner-up position riding F, while Abdel Saïd (EGY) rounded out the top-three podium finishes on Axel 111 Z.

With his mount’s owner and breeder, Amandine Wittouck, watching from the sidelines, van Paesschen posted a blistering clear over Uliano Vezzani’s (ITA) opening CSI5* track. Of the round, he touted: “The horse jumped very well and it’s a very nice feeling to win. I wanted to try and leave one out somewhere, but I saw that it wasn’t coming up like I wanted so I stuck to the plan. The horse really tried, and I was crossing my fingers!

“To realize [an event] at this venue is unbelievable,” continued van Paesschen of the latest breathtaking addition to the LGCT circuit on Governors Island in New York, NY. “We have been riding all year in unbelievable locations, but this one stands out.”

Panoramic views of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty provided a quintessential backdrop for the first day of competition at the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York and the riders rose to the test.

More info: www.gcglobalchampions.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Championships, Global Champions Tour, Jump Media, Show Jumping

Show Jumping A-List Heads for LGCT New York Finals

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Jessica Springsteen. Photo by Stefano Grasso/LGCT.

New York, NY – An A-List of the world’s show jumping stars is heading for the LGCT Finals in New York on September 27-29 on Governors Island in New York City.

With anticipation mounting, it was revealed that some of the top U.S. riders competing at the spectacular venue of Governors Island will be McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, Georgina Bloomberg, Margie Goldstein-Engle, Jessica Springsteen, and Jennifer Gates.

They will be up against a star-studded international field including Pieter Devos (BEL), Marcus Ehning (GER), Ben Maher (GBR), Daniel Deusser (GER), Peder Fredericson (SWE), Martin Fuchs (SUI), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Darragh Kenny (IRL), Scott Brash (GBR), Harrie Smolders (NED), Simon Delestre (FRA), Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE), and Olivier Philippaerts (BEL).

Every afternoon from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, the top athletes in show jumping will face off in the purpose-built sand arena and there is FREE ADMISSION for spectators who will be able to watch the competition.

U.S. rider Jessica Springsteen, who won last weekend’s LGCT Grand Prix in St. Tropez, spoke of the excitement surrounding the event in New York, near where she grew up with her dad Bruce and mom Patti in New Jersey. She said: “It’s my hometown; my whole family are coming. I think it is going to be unbelievable – I’m so looking forward to it!”

Star Strikers Revealed for Final GCL Face Off in New York

High stakes, enormous pressure, and big expectations… the GCL team competition is set to reach fever pitch as the battle for supremacy rockets to its conclusion in New York.

Throughout the year the GCL team competition has seen more drama, tactics, and excitement than ever before, with all 16 teams experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions this season.

Currently leading are the St. Tropez Pirates with a score of 304 points, closely followed by the Shanghai Swans on 302 so far. Just six points behind at 296 are the former leaders and 2018 Champions London Knights, while Madrid in Motion are a further six points away with 290 overall.

As well as the Championship title, teams are fighting for a place in the GC Prague Playoffs GCL Super Cup, with the top four ranked teams fast-tracking to the semi-finals – a huge advantage in the fight for the 3 million euro prize pot and chance to etch their names into the history books.

An Unmissable LGCT Showdown in New York

The Longines Global Champions Tour Finals in New York are set to be an unmissable showdown with only one point separating the season’s top two riders, Pieter Devos (BEL) and Ben Maher (GBR), in the Championship.

The fight for the LGCT crown is on a knife edge in one of the closest duels in the history of the LGCT. In a dramatic shake-up last weekend, Devos took over the ranking lead after finishing second in the LGCT Grand Prix of Ramatuelle/Saint-Tropez, putting him on 278 points, just one point ahead of Maher on 277.

Both riders have been volleying for the lead, leapfrogging each other to take over the top spot in the ranking at different points throughout the season.

However, with only nine scores counting in each rider’s tally, Maher is in a slightly stronger position heading into the Finals in New York despite being second currently in the ranking.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Global Champions Tour, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Spencer Smith Wins Third Consecutive Grand Prix in Europe

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Spencer Smith and Theodore Manciais. Photo by Solenn Rispail for R&B Presse.

Valence, France – For the third Sunday in a row, Spencer Smith of the United States claimed a grand prix victory in Europe.  Under the tutelage of 2008 Canadian Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, Smith won the CSI2* Grand Prix at Global Champions Tour London, England on August 5; the CSI2* Grand Prix at Global Champions Tour Valkenswaard, Netherlands on August 12; and the €100,000 CSI4* Grand Prix in Valence, France on August 19.

Smith’s first victory in London came aboard Happiness, an 11-year-old chestnut Belgian Warmblood mare (Quadrillo x Burggraaf) owned by the Watermark Group.  Nine riders contested the jump-off, with Smith jumping clear in a time of 32.62 seconds to claim victory over Great Britain Show Jumping Team veteran, Amanda Derbyshire, who stopped the clock in 33.32 seconds riding Cornwall BH.

Valkenswaard was the next stop on the Global Champions Tour and Smith had his work cut out for him.  From a starting field of 91 entries, 38 qualified for the jump-off in the €26,100 CSI2* Grand Prix with another 18 pairs again jumping clear.  With speed being the name of the game, Smith and Theodore Manciais, an 11-year-old bay Selle Francais gelding (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Power Light) owned by his family’s Ashland Farms, stopped the clock in 34.21 seconds to win by exactly one full second over Brazil’s Yuri Mansur riding van het Indihof Hunter and relegating Simon Deleste of France to third with Conbelleza.

With two wins at the two-star level to his credit, Smith stepped up to the four-star level in Valence, joining 39 other horse-rider combinations to contest the €100,000 CSI4* Grand Prix, presented by Axeria – SFAM.  In a repeat of their win in the $132,000 CSI3* Horseware Ireland Grand Prix earlier this year in Wellington, Florida, Smith and Theodore Manciais posted the only clear round to take the win without a jump-off.

“This is the third week in a row that Spencer has won the grand prix,” said Lamaze of his 21-year-old protege.  “The grand prix he won today was big; for him to be clear in the four-star grand prix in Valence was amazing.”

Winner of the 2014 Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals, Smith made his United States Equestrian Team debut this spring as a member of the Nations’ Cup in Rome, Italy.  In addition to being one of several athletes that train and compete alongside Lamaze at show jumping’s highest level, Smith also works as a rider for his Torrey Pines Stable with bases in Brussels, Belgium and Wellington, Florida.

“Spencer is a great kid; he works hard, listens, and truly wants to be a student of the sport,” said Lamaze, who has long done business with Smith’s parents, professional trainers Ken and Emily Smith, of Ashland Farms based in Lexington, Kentucky.  “I saw something in Spencer.  He rode well, and he has been brought up in our sport by true professionals.  He had a background in hunters and equitation, and now he’s finding success at the biggest and most competitive show jumping venues in the world.

“He is a big part of our business at Torrey Pines and is a huge asset to our team, and he deserves every congratulation on what he has accomplished,” concluded Lamaze.

For more information on Eric Lamaze and Torrey Pines Stable, visit www.ericlamaze.com.

CONTACT: Jennifer Ward | cell: 613-292-5439 | www.startinggate.ca

Competitions, Endurance Riding, Global Champions Tour, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Saddle Seat, Show Jumping

Eugenio Garza and Armani SL Z Save Best for Last in $35k Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*

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Eugenio Garza and Armani SL Z.

Lexington, Ky. – May 18, 2017 – The atmosphere at the Kentucky Horse Park was electric on Friday night as fans came out to watch the $35,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3* as part of the Kentucky Spring Classic Horse Show. Sixty-four riders competed their horses for a chance to not only win the 1.45m class, but also earn valuable points towards winning the Hagyard Challenge Series. Eugenio Garza, of Mexico, was victorious aboard Armani SL Z even though Roberto Teran of Colombia and Il Rubacuori held a seemly unbeatable lead until the very end. Santiago Lambre and Dingeman finished in a close third place.

Armani SL Z, a 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding, has been a part of Garza’s program for three years. Garza, who is trained by the famed Irish rider and coach, Eddie Macken, has been careful to bring the striking grey gelding along thoughtfully, in hopes of achieving the moment that came in the ring tonight. The class saw very few clear rounds in the first half of competition, but by the time Garza had entered the ring, eleven other riders were waiting to come back in the jump-off. Aaron Vale, of Ocala, Fla., had even qualified all three of his rides for the short course.

Teran was the first rider to produce a clear first round on Il Rubacuori and he came back for the short course, ready to win. Internationally recognized as a fast rider, he clocked in a time of 40.29. Santiago Lambre, also of Mexico, came the closest by producing a clear round in 40.570. While Garza was schooling for the jump off, he could hear the cheers and gasps from the crowd in the Rolex Stadium and knew that he would have to put in an incredibly fast round to overcome Teran’s early lead. Armani SL Z performed like a Grand Prix veteran and crossed the times in 39.330, giving Garza the definitive win.

Not only did Garza go home with the commemorative cooler and blue ribbon, but he also earned valuable points towards the Hagyard Challenge Series. The series consists of seven grand prix classes that are held during the 2017 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series. Garza is now tied with Eve Jobs, who won the $35,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Tim Goguen Earns Grand Open Hunter Championship aboard Expression Z 

After two days of competition in the Stonelea Ring to kick off the Kentucky Spring Classic, Tim Goguen beat out close competitor Kelley Farmer for the coveted title of Grand Open Hunter Champion on Thursday afternoon. Scoring four out of five blue ribbons in the High Performance Hunter Division, Goguen sealed two division championships, the High Performance and Green Hunter 3’6, and ultimately the Grand Championship aboard 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Expression Z.

Tim Goguen and Expression Z

Sponsored by Visse Wedell of Wedell Real Estate, the Grand Open Hunter Championship is awarded to the combination that receives the highest number of points in their respective division. Posing the greatest competition for Goguen’s chance at the title was Kelley Farmer who had top placings with Discretion in the Conformation Hunter and It’s Me in the Green Hunter 3’9.

Goguen and Belhaven Stables, LLC’s Expression Z both stood out and received praise from respected hunter judges Rob Bielefeild and Shane George for their consistency in the High Performance and Green Hunter 3’6 during the Kentucky Spring Classic. The pair produced memorable and beautiful performances in each round, capturing top honors throughout both divisions.

Goguen of Lexington, Kentucky has earned continual success in the hunter ring, particularly excelling in the High Performance Working Hunter division. Professional hunter riders will take to the Stonelea ring once again this Saturday for the greatly anticipated USHJA National Hunter Derby, the highlight of the week.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Global Champions Tour, Show Jumping

Wesley Newlands Wows at Global Champions Tour Madrid

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Wesley Newlands riding Wieminka B. Photo by Sportfot.

Madrid, Spain – Wesley Newlands of Toronto, ON concluded a successful week of competition at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Madrid, Spain by placing second in the €25,000 Caser Seguros Trophy on Sunday, May 22.

Held on the final day of the international show jumping competition, the €25,000 Caser Seguros Trophy acted as the grand finale of the CSI2* division, attracting 42 entries.  With her name at the top of the start list, Newlands was the first rider to tackle the track set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, who will also handle course designing duties at the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics.  Riding Wieminka B, Newlands proved that it was possible to jump the course fault-free, posting a perfect score of zero.  Nine other entries would also jump clear, setting the stage for an exciting jump-off.

Maintaining the order from the first round, Newlands was once again the first rider on course for the jump-off.  Knowing she was setting the pace for those who followed, Newlands tightened up the turns and sliced the signature Cesar Seguros fence before crossing the timers in 37.09 seconds.  In the end, just one rider proved faster than Newlands: Emma Heise of the United States posted a time of 35.83 seconds riding Viper Vrombautshoeve Z.

“Unfortunately, I had to be the pathfinder, but my strategy was to go for a fast clear,” said Newlands of her jump-off plan with Wieminka B, a 13-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood mare (Cardento x Topas).  “My mom was at home in Toronto and set her alarm for 5 a.m. so she could watch me on-line; luckily it went well and was worth getting up for!”

In addition to placing second in the €25,000 Caser Seguros Trophy, Newlands and Wieminka B were also double clear to place fourth among a 66-horse starting field in Friday’s CSI2* 1.40m competition.

“I was very happy with ‘Minka’ this week in Madrid,” said Newlands, who was the lone Canadian competing in the CSI2* division.  “She jumped a lot of super rounds and seems to be in great form.  This was her third show since I’ve been in Europe.  She was also double clear and placed ninth in the Grand Prix in Antwerp, so it was a nice improvement to finish second.”

Newlands, who spent the winter season competing at the highly-competitive Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, is now based full-time with 2014 World Cup Final Champion, Daniel Deusser of Germany.

“I am really enjoying training with Daniel full-time,” said Newlands, 28.  “He gives me a lot of confidence going into the ring.  He knows my horses really well, so he can help me focus on things with each horse to improve their success in the ring.  It’s also nice because he rides my horses sometimes, and I’m able to watch and learn from what he’s doing with them.”

Since returning to Europe in April, Newlands has competed at the Global Champions Tour in Antwerp, Belgium, where she and Wieminka B jumped double clear to place ninth in the €72,000 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix.  Her next competition stop was CSI3* Mannheim, Germany, before heading to Madrid.  In addition to Wieminka B, Newlands also competed in Madrid with Geisha van Orshof, a ten-year-old grey Belgian Warmblood mare (Cabrio van de Heffinck x Parco).

Next on Newlands’s competition calendar is the Global Champions Tour event at Chantilly, France from May 26 to 29, followed by the Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show in St. Tropez, France from June 2 to 4.

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

Global Champions Tour, JRPR, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus Claims Wins in $150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* and $34,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*

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Vita Flex Victory Team Rider Todd Minikus and Babalou 41. (Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini) 

Wellington, Florida (April 16, 2015) – Vita Flex Victory Team rider Todd Minikus had a grin as bright as the Lugano Diamonds that were sponsoring the $150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* that he and Babalou 41 won during the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Minikus switched up horses after the Wellington winter show circuit to continue winning – on his well-known partner Quality Girl in the $34,000 Elm Rock Prix 1.45/1.50m CSI5* at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach earlier this month.

Minikus said the ten-year-old Oldenburg (Balou du Rouet x Silvio I) mare Babalou 41, owned by Two Swans Farms, was “starting to step up into the big leagues.” Before winning the $150,000 Grand Prix, the pair put in double clears during the same weekend to lead the U.S. to a win in the $100,000 Nations Cup.

“I am very excited about Babalou 41. There are some bigger things coming, so I could not be happier. She has been fantastic,” Minikus continued. “It was a horse race across that ring. She slowed down and got real patient to the last jump – that was a sign of her maturity. The rest was just nail-biting in the schooling area. For sure my time was fast. You have to go fast to catch her, but some days you’re the bug and some days you’re the windshield, and that’s how it works.”

The pair out-clocked (35.77) U.S. teammates Beezie Madden (37.47) and Meagan Nusz (38.71), who were second and third respectively.

At the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach, Minikus jumped to victory on another mare. He and the Oldenburg Quality Girl (Quidams Rubin x Dobrock), owned by Quality Group, cleared the course in 54.41 seconds – proving uncatchable for runner-up Marlon Módolo Zanotelli of Brazil with Zerlin M at 55.85 seconds, and Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios with Zara Leandra at 56.76 seconds.

After his impressive win, Minikus humbly pointed to Quality Girl for their success: “I let her just do her thing. Normally, it turns out well.” It certainly seems to keep turning out that way for talented Minikus.

Currently, the show jumper is in Las Vegas, Nevada competing on Babalou 41 in the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals.

The Vita Flex Victory Team champion Todd Minikus credits a well-planned training program supported by conscientious nutrition and supplements from Vita Flex as a winning formula to a successful season: “The proof’s in the pudding – we’ve got some of the top winning horses in the country,” he comments about why he makes sure to use Vita Flex® products.

Vita Flex will be with Minikus and his horses every stride of the way at the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals and beyond with advanced supplements specifically created for equine athletes. Vita Flex® products include health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance supplements, topical ointments, vitamins, and minerals. For more information about Vita Flex, its products, and the Victory Team members, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848-2359.

Contact Katie Stevenson
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*Featured/Spotlights, Global Champions Tour, Show Jumping

Brash and Hello Sanctos Create a Storm in Miami Beach Grand Prix

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Miami, FL – April 5, 2015 – World No. 1 Scott Brash was victorious for the second night in a row on Miami Beach Saturday evening as he galloped away with the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach Grand Prix title aboard Hello Sanctos. This was the two-time Longines GCT Champ’s fifth Grand Prix win in the last three seasons as he continues to dominate the Tour in spectacular fashion.

Bassem Hassan Mohammed (QAT) and his relatively new ride Palloubet D Halong put in the performance of their young partnership to take Silver. While 2014 Longines GCT of Shanghai Grand Prix winner Pieter Devos (BEL) and Candy finished with a worthy Bronze medal. From the VIP Lounge, Michael Bloomberg, Bruce Springsteen, HE Sheikh Joaan Al Thani and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine watched world-class sport at its very best.

Speaking from the VIP Hospitality Lounge, Mr. Bloomberg said: “I think this is a wonderful thing for Miami and for the economy of Miami. This could become like the Formula 1 is to Monaco and places like that not just the people who come to watch the show, the people who support it, the people who work in the hotels where we all stay, the restaurants. It is amazing the hard work that goes into this.”

Having claimed a strong victory with his new mount Hello Forever in yesterday’s 42nd American Invitational, Scott Brash went into the Grand Prix a firm favourite, but facing hot competition from a stellar line-up of world-class riders from around the globe.

The first round of the Grand Prix was a testing and technical course which caught out many an experienced combination. The tight, awkward distances, tall uprights and sharp corners demanded precision, control and power. There were no clear bogey fences, though an airy vertical on a dog-leg following the Longines combination claimed many.

Of the 50 Grand Prix starters, 12 clears proceeded to the 2nd round, including Katie Dinan (USA) and Stakorado, Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) and Royce, Denis Lynch (IRE) and Ho Go van de Padenborre, Luciana Diniz (POR) and Apollonia, Beezie Madden (USA) and Simon, Kent Farrington (USA) and Voyeur, and Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Rosana du Park.

The top 18 riders came back to try their talents against another Uliano Vezzani course, including four on 4 faults. The U.S. had a strong showing with seven riders going through to the next round. All eyes were on Scott Brash and his 2012 Olympic mount as the combinations came back for their next test against the course.

The second round saw an early clear from Laura Kraut (USA) and Nouvelle carrying four faults from the first round. But subsequent clean rounds were few and far between until Bassem Mohammed and Palloubet D Halong notched up the first double clear. The course was twisty and with many turns, requiring immense control, with big oxers demanding scope and care.

Beezie Madden and Simon agonisingly lowered the final fence, but were swiftly followed by reigning European Champion Roger-Yves Bost (FRA) and Nippon d’Elle who were the second double clear. It wasn’t until near the end of the first round that Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos joined Bosty and Bassem in the final showdown – the combination looked on cracking form from the very beginning.

Bassem set the standard first to go in the jump-off, clear in a time of 39.74s. Second to go, Bosty risked a tight turn back to a tall upright and picked up a refusal, leaving him in 4th place. Scott Brash knew what he had to do and executed his plan with foot-perfect precision to stop the clock in 38.57s. Last to go, Pieter Devos pushed his mare, recently returned from a long break from competition, but lowered an early fence in the tricky jump-off course leaving Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos once more unbeatable.

Scott will be back in action in Antwerp in a few weeks once again hot on the trail on the Longines GCT Championship, which if he wins once again this season, will be his 3rd in a row – a truly incredible feat.

Todd Minikus wins the Elm Rock Farm Trophy

On flying form, Todd Minikus (USA) raced away with the Elm Rock Farm Trophy Saturday afternoon with Quality Girl, beating the world-class opposition with a supremely quick round to take the class in 54.41s. Marlon Zanotelli (BRA) had another great result with Zerlin M to finish 2nd in 55.85s, with Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Zara Leandra finishing 3rd in 56.76s.

It was another gorgeous day on Miami Beach and the public filled the grandstand and pressed against the arena fencing to watch the speed class unfold. The beautiful arena filled with spectacular flowers and eye-catching jumps proved a mega draw for nearby sun-worshipers who were drawn over to watch these fabulous horses and riders in action.

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