Eventing: Adelaide: Australian International: Craig Barrett on the verge of winning his first Adelaide CCI4*

24 November 2012

Craig Barrett on the verge of winning his first Adelaide CCI4*

New South Wales rider Craig Barrett has emerged as the new leader of the Australian International CCI4* after a difficult cross country course caused a number of combinations to prematurely end their campaign for this year’s title.

Image: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo credit: www.inmotionphotography.ifp3<http://www.inmotionphotography.ifp3>.com

Craig and his 15 year old mare Sandhills Brillaire will enter Sunday’s show jumping phase with a commanding eight penalty lead over second positioned Natalie Blundell (Algebra). Their strong performance around the difficult cross country course effectively gives them a two rail advantage for the final.

Craig’s other horse Wendela Jamie - which was in second place leading into today’s cross country phase, was one of six horses to fall short of the finish line.

“The mare that went first was absolutely sensational, I couldn’t be happier with how she performed. She is just a great horse and she did a great job today.”

“I feel a bit sorry for Wendela Jamie because I don’t feel I did him justice. He’s a much better horse than the results show but that’s just the nature of eventing,” Craig said.

Just eight combinations completed today’s cross country phase with the course testing even the most experienced riders. Beijing silver medallist Shane Rose, who was leading the field after dressage, and Sydney gold medallist Stuart Tinney, who was in third before today’s phase, also made the decision to retire.

For many combinations it was a narrow fence at one of the water jumps which was their undoing.

“There was definitely something the horses didn’t quite understand, maybe it was to do with jumping in (to the water). Some horses jumped it beautifully… but it was more than coincidence that six horses in a row ran out to the side,” said technical delegate Alec Lochore.

“It’s easy in hindsight to consider all sorts of factors – was it the jump into the water, was it the light and shade. (It would be premature) to do a post mortem analysis right now, I need to consider it in more detail,” he said.

The Adelaide International Three Day Event is the second leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI ClassicsTM – a six series competition made up of the world’s only four star event competitions. The AI3DE is the only four star event in the southern hemisphere.

Sunday’s show jumping action will decide this year’s winner. Action is set to get underway from 2:30pm local time.

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Eventing: Adelaide: HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire claim Cross Country lead in Adelaide

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012/2013: Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire claim Cross Country lead in Adelaide

By Anna Sharpley

Craig Barrett, leader after the challenging Cross Country phase of the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Adelaide, and riding in his first 4* competition, said he was both “absolutely thrilled” and “disappointed” after today’s action: “Sandhills Brillaire went beautifully and galloped really well, but with Wendela Jamie (Dressage leader), I just made too many mistakes”.

It was a dramatic Cross Country day that saw the top three after Dressage failing to make it through the finish flags. Barrett produced the run of the day with the competition trailblazing home-bred Staccato mare, adding just 0.8 of a time penalty to take the lead with a two-day total of 51.80.

Barrett’s other ride, Wendela Jamie, had a runout at the costly number 13, a skinny fence on a related distance off the island in Rymill Lake, and it was here too that Stuart Tinney came to grief and retired after the big grey, Pluto Mio avoided the issue twice.

Shane Rose, who put in a faultless performance to lead the CCI2*, struck trouble early on the 4* track with a runout at 5B riding APH Moritz. A further stop at the Advertiser Hedge saw Rose joining the six 4* competitors to walk home.

Wayne Copping’s track was shortened by 30 seconds, with the Qantas Flyover taken out and the last fence situated close to the misting tents and cooling off area. The weather turned out not to be as severe as predicted, but with horse welfare paramount, the adjustment was applauded by all.

Natalie Blundell from Harden in New South Wales was in contention for London 2012 Olympic Games selection, and with her talented horse Algebra, used her experience to produce only the second clear round over the fences. The pair added 5.6 time penalties and hold overnight second place with 59.80. Natalie won the first Adelaide 4* in 1999 riding Billy Bathgate and declared: “I hope to put pressure on Craig tomorrow”.

“The weather suited the tough Thoroughbred”, commented Craig, with Algebra and Murray Lamperd’s Under The Clocks, both ex-racehorses, proving the point. Murray and Under The Clocks had a runout at the tall Rose Garden Corners at 17ab. He then added some Thoroughbred speed to come home with only 14.8 time penalties to claim third place after the tough Cross Country. Lamperd is an experienced rider, but has not competed at a 4* event for some time. “It was overwhelming; so intense and so big, I need practice to ride at this level again. The horse is honest and I am positive, and that normally gets us through.”

All the riders declared Adelaide a valuable member of the HSBC FEI Classics™ series. The Cross Country track, at just over 10 minutes, was challenging and demanding with the skinny fence 13 coming out of Rymill Lake catching six riders. Technical Delegate Alec Lochore explained: “There was definitely something the horses didn’t quite understand. Some horses jumped it beautifully, but it was more than just a coincidence that six horses ran out to the side. It could have been the jump into water, or the light and the shade.”

Penalties were also spread around the course resulting in runouts. Apart from one rider fall, the faults came from failure to have the horse well enough in front of the leg and straight, resulting in harmless but costly penalties.

Spectators flocked to the venue in their thousands, aiming for the shade afforded by the Adelaide Parklands. The event grows each year and, since it became part of the prestigious HSBC FEI Classics™ series, its profile has undoubtedly grown amongst Australian equestrian enthusiasts.

Event Director Gill Rolton was pleased to comment that the Local South Australian Government and Adelaide City Council were both now fully behind the event. “Running this event is a huge commitment, but we need an event of this stature in this country,” she said.

The final Jumping phase will be staged tomorrow, with Barrett aiming not only to win the Adelaide leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™, but also claim the HSBC Bursary for the highest placed rider never to have previously completed a 4* event.

Results after Cross Country:

1 Craig Barrett/Sandhills Brillaire (AUS) 51 + 0.8 = 51.80

2 Natalie Blundell/Algebra (AUS) 54.2 + 5.6 = 59.80

3 Murray Lamperd/Under The Clocks (AUS) 50.7 + 34.8 = 85.50

4 John Twomey/Highly Recommended (AUS) 60.5 + 36.8 = 97.30

5 Jessica Manson/Legal Star (AUS) 62.2 + 44.4 = 106.60

6 Keira Byrnes/Fox Hill (AUS) 67.5 + 54.8 = 122.30

7 Crystal Conning/Marcus Aurelius (AUS) 61.2 + 80.8 = 142.00

8 Andrew Cooper/Guest Of Honour (AUS) 62.0 + 95.0 = 157.00

Full results on www.australian3de.com.au

Follow the action LIVE tomorrow (Sunday, 25 November) on FEI TV www.feitv.org, the FEI’s official video channel:

01:30 CET – 03:30 CET Jumping 2* Competition (*last two hours of competition)

04:55 CET – 05:45 CET HSBC FEI Classics™ Jumping (*also available on Monday 26 November in the afternoon as Video-On-Demand).

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Eventing: Burghley: HSBC FEI Classics™: Fox-Pitt swoops to conquer at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

William Fox-Pitt (GBR), the new world number one in the HSBC Rankings, heads the field after the first day of Dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI.

 Lausanne (SUI), 1 September 2011

William Fox-Pitt (GBR), the new world number one, is on top again, this time at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR), the second-last leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™, where he leads after the first day of Dressage on a mark of 39.7.

Fox-Pitt (GBR), who is wearing the special armband as leader of the HSBC Rankings, has posted the only sub-40 mark so far on his first ride, Catherine Witt’s 11-year-old Parklane Hawk, winner of the Blenheim CCI3* (GBR) last year.

The British pair lead Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and the attractive grey Avebury by 2.3 penalties. Elizabeth Power (IRL) and the ex-racehorse Kilpatrick River, back in action after their fall at Badminton (GBR) in May and making their debut at Burghley, are third. Mary King (GBR), current leader in the HSBC FEI Classics™, is fourth on Apache Sauce.

Andrew Nicholson riding AVEBURY (NZL), 2nd place after 1st day of dressage at Burghley. (Kate Houghton/FEI)

Fox-Pitt, who has been penalised for one error of course – halting at the wrong marker – described scoring in the 30s as a “psychological boost”. He says of the New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred by Grosvenor: “He has a superb brain and a lovely trot. He’s all the things you dream about in a horse.”

Fox-Pitt, Nicholson and King, who have decades of experience at Burghley between them, are viewing with interest the new-look Cross Country course, designed by Mark Phillips (GBR) to have a more traditional look in honour of the event’s 50th birthday.

Fox-Pitt, a five-time Burghley winner, said: “It’s a big, attacking course. It feels quite long, but it’s flowing, which should help riders get into a rhythm.”

Nicholson, the winner in 1995 and 2000, commented: “The first part is quite intense with some difficult lines, and then it’s a lot of big, plain fences. I think the key will be working out where to save energy. It’s a good change of style and I hope we’ll all enjoy it.”

King, the 1996 winner, said: “It looks amazing. The fences are beautiful and much bigger than usual. Apache Sauce is capable of doing it, as long as his rider doesn’t get it wrong!”

Australian rider Chris Burton, paying his first visit to Burghley since 2004, was more blunt: “It’s very big, very long and very scary. A proper four-star track.”

Winner of Adelaide CCI4* in 2008 on Holstein Park Leilani, and currently lying 17th on 54.5, Burton added: “We went through a style in Australia of lots of skinnies and angles. There isn’t much of that here – it’s pretty meaty out there. I just hope I get further than I did last time, when I fell off at the fourth fence.”

Elizabeth Power riding KILPATRICK RIVER (IRL), 3rd after 1st day of dressage at Burghley. (Kate Hougton/FEI)

Another rider who has seen Burghley’s differing styles over 20 years is Blyth Tait (NZL), winner in 1998 and 2001. He is back from a seven-year retirement from the sport and is due to perform his Dressage test tomorrow morning on Santos, a horse by the same sire, Grosvenor, as Parklane Hawk.

Other tests to look forward to include Burghley first-timer Sinead Halpin (USA), who is currently lying seventh in the HSBC FEI Classics™ after finishing third at Rolex Kentucky (USA) in April on Manoir de Carneville, and the German pair Simone Deitermann and NRW Free Easy.

Seven former Burghley winners will come before the Ground Jury of Angela Tucker (GBR), Michel Asseray (FRA) and Christina Klingspor (SWE) tomorrow: Lucinda Fredericks (AUS), defending champion Caroline Powell (NZL), Pippa Funnell (GBR) and Oliver Townend (GBR), as well as Fox-Pitt, King and Nicholson on their second rides.

Follow the action on www.burghley-horse.co.uk

Results after first day of Dressage:

1 William Fox-Pitt/Parklane Hawk (GBR) 39.7 penalties

2 Andrew Nicholson/Avebury (NZL) 42.0

3 Elizabeth Power/Kilpatrick River (IRL) 43.3

4 Mary King/Apache Sauce (GBR) 44.8

5 Laurence Hunt/Pheobus (GBR) 45.3

6 Sam Griffiths/Happy Times (AUS) 45.5

7 Gaby Cooke/Sir Roscoe (GBR) 46.3

8 Oliver Townend/Neo du Breuil (GBR) 46.7

9 Fiona Hobby/Roma M.L. (GBR) 48.0

10 James Robinson/Comanche (GBR) 48.8



HSBC FEI Classics Standings™ (after 3 of 5 events)

1 Mary King (GBR) 28 points

2 Piggy French (GBR) 20

3 Mark Todd (NZL) 15

4 Andreas Dibowski (GER) 15

5 Sandra Auffarth (GER) 12

6 Clayton Fredericks (AUS) 12

7 Sinead Halpin (USA) 10

8 Frank Ostholt (GER) 10

9 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 10

10 Oliver Townend (GBR) 9

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Historic first Championship Gold medal for British Dressage

18 August, 2011

Spectacular rides from each of the British quartet sealed an historic victory for Team GBR at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011, Rotterdam, 18 August 2011.  Each rider gave their all to secure the first gold medal ever won in dressage on the World stage and in doing so, fulfilled the hopes of a dressage nation that has risen to meteoric success in three short years. Their final team score of 238.678 set a new European record and sealed an emphatic win over Germany and the Netherlands.

Gloucestershire-based Charlotte Dujardin first ignited British hopes, setting alight day one of the competition with the 9 year old Valegro, who is co-owned by her mentor Carl Hester and Roly Luard.  Riding only their sixth International Grand Prix test together the pair produced a sparkling test to score a PB of 78.30% that was also good enough for fourth. Alongside Emile Faurie’s trailblazing score of 70.426% that he banked with Joanne Vaughan’s Elmegardens Marquis, the Brits had laid down the gauntlet for the competition.

Excitement rose as Carl Hester produced a breathtakingly beautiful test with the 10 year old Uthopia, causing the crowd to gasp and murmur, as he put the horse he co-owns with Sasha Stewart through its paces. Their score of 82.568%, another personal best, confirmed it, catapulting the team into the lead and leaving Carl top of the scoreboard.  “This is a dream” he commented “and even more fantastic because we’ve had the horse since he was a 4 year old; he’s a family pet who’s turned into a superstar.”

Even without Laura’s score, Germany would have needed 85.165% to knock Team GBR off the gold medal position after expensive mistakes from each of their first three riders. In the cauldron of pressure of the Kralingse Bos arena Alexander Matthias Rath and Totilas made uncharacteristic errors in the onetime changes and final passage for 79.453% to seal the win for Britain.

Meanwhile, Laura Bechtolsheimer rode superbly to guide a hot Mistral Horjis home for 77.280%, to finish in fifth place, and help Britain break the European record for a team test. “He was very flighty in there and too bothered by the noise which pushed him over the edge. I felt like a small blonde girl on a big ginger horse, rather than the harmonious picture we usually go for!” she joked. “Still I don’t think I can be too upset, this is still fairly indescribable.”

Charlotte summed up saying: “We came here all hoping to win gold, so it’s kind of crazy that we have!”

The British victory left the Dutch and Germans to fight it out for silver. After a heroic performance from Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival (NED) the Netherlands finished in third place with a total of 222.645, behind the Germans on 226.110.

All British riders will compete the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, after Emile finished in eighteenth place.

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USEF: Magical Diamond and Kirklen Peterson Garner Overall Green Grand Hunter Pony Championship at 2011 USEF Pony Finals

Magical Diamond and Kirklen Peterson Garner Overall Green Grand Hunter Pony Championship at 2011 USEF Pony Final

August 10, 2011

By Rebeccah Walton/Phelps Media Group

Lexington, KY -  The 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals continued today at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park with the conclusion of the Green Pony Hunter divisions. Ponies and riders from each division completed their over fences phases, competing for the top honors, as well as the championship and reserve championship titles. At the end of the day, Kirklen Petersen and Magical Diamond claimed the Green Pony Hunter Grand Championship title after winning the Medium Green Pony Hunter Over Fences and the Medium Green Pony Hunter Championship.

The first class of the day for the USEF National Hunter Pony Championships, presented by Sallee Horse Vans, was the Small Green Pony Over Fences. Emma Lemke and Chatterbox, owned by Frank Hernandez of Cordova, TN, jumped to the top of the leaderboard with scores of 85, 82, and 85, taking home the blue ribbon prize. Lindsay Levine and Bit of Laughter, owned by Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL, followed in the second-place position after earning an 83, an 83, and an 81. The third-place ribbon went to Emma Kurtz and Quicksilver Butterfly, owned by Kate Taylor of Pittsford, NY, who received scores of 84, 79, and 80. At the end of the class, the overall points were tabulated and Levine was named with Overall Small Green Pony Hunter Champion aboard Bit of Laughter. The reserve championship honors were presented to Kurtz and Quicksilver Butterfly.

"This is Bit of Laughter's first time at Pony Finals," commented Levine. "He is still very young and very green, so you have to stay in the middle and keep him going because if you fall out he falls off his lead. The course today was good. I thought he was going to spook on the out of the diagonal line because he isn't as experienced as my other ponies, but he was really good."

Bit of Laughter and Lindsay Levine. Photo by Shawn McMillen.

The Medium Green Pony Hunters were next, and it was Magical Diamond's stunning performance over fences that helped him win all the top awards with Kirklen Petersen in the irons. The duo took home the blue ribbon prize in the over fences class with scores of 85, 88, and 83.75, which would be good enough to claim the Overall Medium Green Pony Hunter Championship. Elizabeth Foster and Born Free Farm of Dover, MA own Magical Diamond.

"I started showing Magical Diamond at WEF and he was great, he was circuit champion," explained Petersen. "He needs a loose ride, you just help him find the jumps, but he's not green at all for the most part. The course was pretty good, I hate bending lines, but the rest was good. I am really happy and I really like Pony Finals because it's the biggest show of the year and I get to spend time with my friends."

The pair's excellent performance over the last two days was good enough to earn them the Overall Green Grand Hunter Pony Championship, as well. Magical Diamond's owner Elizabeth Foster said, "It's hard to describe riding him. When I am trotting on him I feel like I am floating on air. He is really easy to see distances on. Once you click with him it is indescribable. I have been so excited and nervous for them, my heart is still pounding!"

The Overall Medium Green Pony Hunter Reserve Championship went to Meredith Darst and Easter Monday, owned by Carol Dornish of Delaware, OH, who were ranked third going into the final phase and placed fifth over fences. The second-place prize in the over fences was presented to Isabella Hendrickson of Shaker Heights, OH, and Woodland's Stevie Ray, who had scores of 86, 82, and 83.5. Sierra Lesny of New Cumberland, PA, and Gidget picked up the third-place honors after receiving scores of 82, 83, and 84.

Meredith Darst and Faunti. Photo by Shawn McMillen.

"Easter Monday is fun; she has a big stride and jumps really well," noted Darst. "She was really good this weekend. She is still really green, so it's really good that she was able to go in and do such a good job."

In the Large Green Pony Hunter division, Darst stepped up to win the Overall Large Green Pony Hunter Championship aboard Faunti, owned by Meredith Maroonie of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, after placing second in the over fences with scores of 84.5, 81, and 83.75. The duo also received the Overall Green Grand Pony Reserve Championship title.

"I started riding Faunti during WEF," commented Darst. "He is really smooth and his lead changes are really easy. He's green, but he's not spooky or too green. We practiced in the horse show here last week, and we were able to remember each other a little bit since he doesn't live in Florida with me. I really enjoy showing at Pony Finals because the ring is big, so it gives you time and room to think."

The Large Green Pony Hunter Reserve Championship went to today's Large Green Over Fences winner, Savannah Talcott and Someday Came, owned by Madelyn Porter of St. Louis, MO. The duo received scores of 82, 86, and 86 to earn the class's blue ribbon prize. Morgan Ward of Milford, NJ, and Romeo took home the third-place honors after earning scores of 79, 79, and 84.5.

The next presentation was for the Welsh High Score Green Pony, and the winning prize was awarded to Darst for her ride aboard Easter Monday. Taking home the reserve title was Madeline Schaefer and Bieber, owned by Bibby Farmer Hill of Reddick, FL.

The Regular Medium Pony Hunter Under Saddle took place next in the Walnut Ring. The top call went to Meredith Darst and Enchanted Forest, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, while Kirklen Petersen and Heart's Desire, owned by Stone Ridge of Calgary, Canada, followed in second. Carly Alder and Nemo, owned by Tammy Provost and Wind Haven Farm of Zionsville, IN, took home the day's third-place honors.

The final activity of the day at the USEF Pony Finals was the Lip Sync Show, benefiting Danny and Ron's Rescue. Each team had a wonderful performance during the event, which was held in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The 2011 USEF Pony Finals will continue tomorrow with the Medium Pony Hunters' over fences phase, as well as the Small Pony Hunters' model and under saddle phases. In the Covered Arena, the Pony Jumper competition will be getting underway in the evening as they compete for top prizes.

For more information about the 2011 USEF Pony Finals, visit http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2011PonyFinals/.

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Eventing: Luhmühlen: French and her Flying Machine speed to pole position at Luhmühlen in HSBC FEI Classics™

Piggy French (GBR) and the aptly named Flying Machine galloped through the worst of the weather to take over the lead at the third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 at Luhmühlen, presented by E.ON Avacon. (Photo: Peter Nixon/FEI)

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 18 June 2011

Piggy French (GBR) galloped through pouring rain on her appropriately named 10-year-old Irish gelding Flying Machine to take the lead after Cross-Country at Luhmühlen, presented by E.ON Avacon (GER), the third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™.

The leaderboard has changed substantially and now the cost of just one Jumping fence covers the top four riders, ensuring a thrilling day’s sport tomorrow. French is highly competent in this phase, but she has no margin for error if she is to score her longed-for first CCI4* victory.

“I have not managed to run the horse as often as you would like to before a four-star, but the shock treatment seems to have worked!”, said French. "I am very excited about how he coped with it all. I am lucky to have many lovely horses to ride and when you have a day like this, it’s a bonus. The rain was unbelievable, and my gloves were heavy with water so I got rid of them, but it was no better without them!"

The home side’s Sandra Auffarth (GER) had the ride of her life to move up a place to second on the nine-year-old Selle Francais Opgun Louvo, the horse she rode into third place in the 2009 Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers (FRA). The German rider was making her four-star debut and it will be quite a story if she snatches victory tomorrow – and she says her horse is a good jumper.

Her experienced compatriots, Andreas Dibowski, who has never won Luhmühlen, and Frank Ostholt, the Dressage leader, are sitting dangerously close in third and fourth.

Peter Thomsen, seventh after Dressage, had a stop on Horseware’s Parko three fences from home; Susanna Bordone (ITA) on Blue Moss and Michael Jung (GER) on Leopin both retired after refusals, and Jonathan Paget (NZL) was eliminated for a rider fall with Clifton Lush at the influential fence 21 complex in the arena.

There were 19 clear rounds, 10 within the optimum time. These included the British trio of Mary King, William Fox-Pitt and Oliver Townend, who have all been elevated into the top 10 as a result.

Follow the action this weekend with daily FEI reports on www.fei.org, plus full start lists and results from www.luhmuehlen.de and highlights on www.feitv.org.

Results after Cross-Country

1 Piggy French/Flying Machine (GBR) 37.2 + 1.2 = 38.4
2 Sandra Auffarth/Opgun Louvo (GER) 39.0 + 0.0 = 39.0
3 Andreas Dibowski/Butts Leon (GER) 40.0 + 0.0 = 40.0
4 Frank Ostholt/Little Paint (GER) 35.3 + 6.8 = 42.1
5 Dirk Schrade/Hop and Skip (GER) 45.2 + 0.0 = 45.2
6 Mary King/Apache Sauce (GBR) 46.0 + 0.0 = 46
7 William Fox-Pitt/Macchiato (GBR) 46.2 + 0.0 = 46.2
8 Clayton Fredericks/Dunges Laurent Rose (AUS) 47.2 + 0.0 = 47.2
9 Paul Tapner/Stormhill Michael (AUS) 40.5 + 7.6 = 48.1
10 Oliver Townend/ODT Master Rose (GBR) 48.2 + 0.0 = 48.2

HSBC FEI Classics™ Leaderboard in 2011 (after 2 out of 5 events)
1 Mary King (GBR) 25 points
2 Mark Todd (NZL) 15 points
3 Piggy French (GBR) 12 points
4 Sinead Halpin (USA) 10 points
5 Sam Griffiths (AUS) 8 points
6 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 8 points
7 Niklas Lindback (SWE) 6 points
8 Clayton Fredericks (AUS) 6 points
9 Caroline Powell (NZL) 5 points
10 Oliver Townend (GBR) 5 points

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Hunters: Sauguerties: Patricia Griffith dominates the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight the hunters at HITS-on-the-Hudson III in Saugerties, New York

© ESI Photography.
Patricia Griffith on course with Lexi Maounis' Platinum in Saturday's $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (June 12, 2011) — Patricia Griffith made the most of her time at HITS-on-the-Hudson this week when she took first and second place against a field of 61 starters in Saturday's $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix. She finished first aboard Platinum and second aboard Sienna, both owned by Lexi Maounis.

“I thought it was a perfect course,” said Griffith of Katonah, New York, who is a professional at Heritage Farm. “Rian [Beals] did a great job with the course. It had a perfect mix of single and bending lines that all rode very nicely.”

Griffith had two horses in the second round, which saw the top 12 with the highest scores from the first round return. She showed first aboard Sienna and took over the lead, previously held by Jenny Fischer and Stormy Good’s Freedom’s Storm. Fischer and Freedom's Storm, the winners of last week’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix, finished third in the ribbons this week.

© ESI Photography.
HITS’ Lisa Engel is joined by Guillaume Jullienne of Devoucoux to present the awards to Patricia Griffith and Platinum after their win in Saturday's $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix in Saugerties, New York.

“After I showed Sienna I thought my score would be really hard to beat,” Griffith explained. “I was surprised when I returned again last on Platinum that I was able to beat my own score. This horse has been fantastic though and I’m very proud of the win.”

Earning a spot in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final has become Griffith’s number one goal this season. “I went to Ocala for the very first time this winter in order to get a jump-start on qualifying,” she explained. “I plan on showing all summer long here in Saugerties in order to qualify.”

The Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final has gone platinum in the eyes of countless hunter riders who compete each week. “I think the weekly Devoucoux Hunter Prix and the [Diamond Mills] Final is just a great idea,” said Griffith. “It’s totally revived the hunters. Each week it’s gotten just as much excitement as the Grand Prix and that’s saying a lot. I think this summer it will be even more exciting as we get closer to the Final. These classes have gotten a lot of well-deserved attention so far.”

Rounding out the top five in the class was David Oliynyk of Plainville, Massachusetts aboard Lori Gaudet’s Generous in fourth place and Lillie Keenan of New York, New York aboard Don Stewart’s Confidential in fifth place.

The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will return this summer at HITS Culpeper (July 6 – 17) and will feature two events. The HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series returns to Saugerties on July 20 for three consecutive weeks and will feature three crucial qualifiers, as riders eagerly compete for points in order to qualify for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to this year's phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 3'3" Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the historic Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 10-11 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

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Eventing: Badminton: TODD IS BACK IN POLE POSITION IN CLOSEST EVER FINALE AT BADMINTON - By Kate Green

Mark Todd (NZL) on NZB Land Vision leads on Cross-Country Day at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2011 – first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 © Kit Houghton/FEI

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 24 April 2011

Listen to interviews with:

•    Mark Todd after becoming leader of the HSBC FEI Classics™ first leg at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
•    Marina Köhncke in English and German - second on Calma Schelly and could yet make history as the first German rider to win Badminton.
•    Nicola Wilson – third on Operation Buzz.

Follow the action with daily news reports from the FEI and live TV coverage on FEI TV.

There was a thrilling climax to Cross-Country day at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials – the first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ - when Mark Todd (NZL) returned to a hero’s welcome, having produced a masterful display of riding to bring the inexperienced NZB Land Vision home clear and into the lead.

However, the three-times Badminton winner and double Olympic champion will need all his renowned skill in tomorrow’s Jumping phase for, in a remarkable result, the price of one fence covers the top 12 riders.

“Land Vision is a good horse but he’s relatively young (10) and he did feel green,” said Todd, whose last appearance in a CCI4* press conference was 12 years ago when he finished second on Word Perfect.

“He definitely felt tired after Huntsmans Close and I had to nurse him home, but he felt really genuine. I had to give him a bit of a shake-up in the Quarry but he picked up and that’s the sign of a good horse.”

Marina Köhncke who, coincidentally led Todd in the Dressage back in 1994, could yet make history as the first German rider to win Badminton. She is lying second on Calma Schelly.

In a dramatic afternoon, she was held on course while officials attended to Louise Skelton (GBR) and Partly Pickled, who fell at the Sunken Lane (16). “I wasn’t that cool about being held, because I don’t do this (riding at 4-star level) that often!” said Köhncke.

“But everyone was telling me at the start that I had to go faster this time. Finishing so well at Badminton is a dream for me. It’s fantastic to be back.”

Pathfinder Andrew Nicholson (NZL), who is lying fourth on Nereo, gave a typically confidence-giving display to his peers, coming home seven seconds inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 15 seconds on Avebury, despite taking the long route at the Farmyard (fence 15). But the time proved much harder to achieve than predicted, with only seven of the 76 starters crossing the finish line penalty free.

Dressage leader Ruth Edge (GBR) got as far as the bounce of hedges in Huntsmans Close (fence 24) before Two Thyme stopped and Emily Baldwin (GBR) and Drivetime, fifth, got no further than the Lake, an obstacle that has been their downfall before.

Oliver Townend (GBR), seventh, had a near-miss when Ashdale Cruise Master pecked in the Lake, and it was all over when the grey fell on landing over the third element of the Quarry (fence 27).

Aoife Clark (IRL), eighth, had a frustrating ealy run-out at the Hillside (fence 6) on Master Crusoe, and Susanna Bordone (ITA), ninth, lost her chance when Carrera tripped up the step out of the Lake and incurred 20 penalties.

Ingrid Klimke (GBR), equal 10th, was taken to hospital in Bristol for a precautionary look at her leg after Butts Abraxxas tipped over the second log element of Huntsmans Close. Selina O’Hanlon, on the same Dressage score as Klimke, dropped out of the reckoning with two refusals at the Sunken Road (16).

After a horse fall at the same fence, Elizabeth Power (IRL) was also taken to hospital for a check-up after being knocked unconscious but was reported to be recovering well.

There were, however, 50 clear rounds and 59 horses will go through to tomorrow’s Jumping phase in what promises to be the most exciting finale ever.

HSBC Training Bursary
Flora Harris (GBR), lying 19th on Law Choice, is currently in line to win the HSBC Training Bursary - a unique award presented to the highest placed rider at each HSBC FEI Classics™ leg who completes a 4* event for the very first time. The winning rider will be presented with an award and training voucher to the value of $1,000 tomorrow.

Results
1 Mark Todd/NZB Land Vision (NZL) 36.8 + 6.8 = 43.6
2 Marina Köhncke/Calma Schelly (GER) 39.8 + 4 = 43.8
3 Nicola Wilson/Opposition Buzz (GBR) 44.0 + 0 = 44.0
4 Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 44.3 + 0 = 44.3
5 Piggy French/Jakata (GBR) 36.0 + 9.2 = 45.2
6 Laura Collett/Rayef (GBR) 36.5 + 8.8 = 45.3
7 Mary King/Imperial Cavalier (GBR) 44.2 + 1.6 = 45.8
8 Sam Griffiths/Happy Times (AUS) 46.3 + 0 = 46.3
9 Niklas Lindback/Mister Pooh (SWE) 46.7 + 0 = 46.7
10 Caroline Powell/Lenamore (NZL) 47.2 + 0 = 47.2
11 Andrew Nicholson/Avebury (NZL) 47.2 + 0 = 47.2
12 Kai Rüder/Le Prince des Bois (GER) 44.8 + 2.4 = 47.2

HSBC FEI Classics™ Calendar of Events in 2011
1. 21-25 April - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR)
2. 28 April-1 May - Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA) 
3. 16-19 June - Luhmühlen presented by E.ON Avacon (GER)
4. 1-4 September - Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR)
5. 13-16 October - Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA) 

WEG Central® - For the latest news in equestrian sport!

Eventing: Badminton: DREAM START FOR YOUNG LAURA COLLETT AT BADMINTON - OPENER FOR HSBC FEI CLASSICS™

Laura Collett (GBR) on Rayef in the lead after Day 1 of Dressage at Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2011 - opener for the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 © Kit Houghton/FEI

FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 22 April 2011

By Kate Green

Laura Collett (GBR) made a dream start to her debut at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR), the first leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™, when heading several more experienced riders at the end of the first day of Dressage.

William Fox-Pitt,GBR riding Navigato ( Mitsubishi Motors /Kit Houghton)

 Collett, 21, is renowned for having a cool head and a tidy style – she was a successful rider of show ponies as a child - and she presented a neat and pleasing picture on the 12-year-old Dutch-bred Rayef, the horse on which she won Junior and Young Rider European titles in 2007 and 2009.

“That’s his best test ever,” said a delighted Collett on learning of her score of 36.5 penalties, which gives her a 3.3 lead over Germany’s Marina Köhncke. “Yogi Briesner (trainer) told me to ride as if I was at home. Rayef didn’t make any mistakes and he was soft and attentive. It was nice to sit on.

Kai Ruder,GER riding Le Prince des Bois ( Mitsubishi Motors /Kit Houghton)

“My whole life has been about getting to Badminton, so to be here for the first time on such a good horse feels amazing.”

Collett bought the 12-year-old gelding, of unknown breeding, with the proceeds from selling her Pony team gold medallist, Noble Springbok, and he is now owned by Jason Houghton. Rayef spent 2010 on the sidelines due to a minor tendon injury, and Collett made her CCI4* debut at Burghley on Ginger May Killinghurst, finishing 30th.

German riders had a good day and are lying second, fourth and fifth. Marina Köhncke (nee Loheit) led the Dressage at Badminton way back in 1994 on Sundancer, and was ecstatic at being back in the limelight, with a good score of 39.8 on the attractive mare Calma Schelly, a 12-year-old by Chambertin.

Andrew Nicholson,NZL riding Avebury ( Mitsubishi Motors /Kit Houghton)

“I’m still shaking,” exclaimed Köhncke. “It’s unbelievable to be back riding here again. I never thought I could do another 4-star after having two children. I took Calma Schelly to Burghley and she seemed a little shocked by it, but she’s trained so well over the winter and is such a wonderful horse that I decided to come to Badminton.”

Susanna Bordone (ITA) is in third place on the Australian-bred Carrera despite the judges, Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Sue Stewart (GBR) and Christian Landolt (SUI) having to award her two penalties for an error of course after she added an extra loop to the serpentine movement.
Bordone commented: “For Carrera, the Dressage is the easiest part, so we’ll have to see what happens. She is only half-bred so isn’t the fastest across country and I have to take tight lines on her which can lead to mistakes. My husband is a racehorse trainer, so we have done some work on her speed and fitness, but she is 15 now and we’ll have to see.”

Marina Kohncke (GER) riding Calma Shelley( Mitsubishi Motors /Kit Houghton)

The 38 riders who have completed their Dressage tests all know that results could change, with riders of the calibre of Britons Mary King, Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt, and New Zealanders Mark Todd, Caroline Powell and Andrew Nicholson on their second horses, plus such noted Dressage experts as Ruth Edge (GBR) and Lucinda Fredericks (AUS), still to come.

Riders have been assessing Hugh Thomas’s Cross-Country course, where it will be interesting to see how some of last year’s most testing accuracy fences, such as the HSBC FEI Classics™ Corral (fences 7-8), the Colt Pond (14ab) and the open corners at the HS1 Farmyard (15), work when jumped in a clockwise direction.

Ingrid Klimke,GER riding FRH Butts Abraxxas ( Mitsubishi Motors /Kit Houghton)

Dressage marks may prove influential. Andrew Nicholson, who says he is unworried at being first to go across country, on Avebury, predicts that the fast going will result in a large number of rounds inside the optimum time.

Work is ongoing on the footing, as Badminton continues to be bathed in unseasonably hot sunshine, with watering and vertical spiking to loosen the earth.

Results
1 Laura Collett/Rayef (GBR) 36.5
2 Marina Köhncke/Calma Schelly (GER) 39.8
3 Susanna Bordone/Carrera (ITA) 43.0
4 Ingrid Klimke/Butts Abraxxas (GER) 43.3
5 Kai Rüder/Le Prince des Bois (GER) 44.8
6 Laurence Hunt/Pheobus (GBR) 45.5
7 Niklas Lindback/Mister Pooh (SWE) 46.7
8 Andrew Nicholson/Avebury (NZL) 47.2
9 William Fox-Pitt/Navigator (GBR) 47.5
10 Elizabeth Power/Kilpatrick River (IRL) 47.7

HSBC Training Bursary:
HSBC, the platinum partner of FEI and global sponsor of Eventing, has supported the HSBC FEI Classics™ since 2008 and is the title sponsor.
At the centre of this sponsorship is a commitment to the development of the sport of Eventing at every level.

HSBC has introduced a Training Bursary, which is a unique award presented to the highest placed rider at each HSBC FEI Classics™ leg who completes a 4* event for the very first time.

The winning rider receives a training voucher to the value of $1,000, which is spent on sessions with a trainer of the athletes’ choice approved by the FEI and National Federation.

Notes to editors:

HSBC FEI Classics™ prize money
Over the next three years, HSBC will be contributing US$1 million in prize money, which represents the biggest prize fund on offer in Eventing on an annual basis.

At the end of the season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the five HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 events are awarded their share of a total prize pot of US$333,000, split as follows:

1st US$150,000 (Series Champion)
2nd US$75,000
3rd US$50,000
4th US$33,000
5th US$25,000

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 Calendar
1. Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 22-25 April
2. Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) - 28 April-1 May
3. Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by E.ON (GER) - 16-19 June
4. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) - 1-4 September
5. Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 12-16 October

HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012
The HSBC FEI Classics™ 2012 season will begin at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) on 12-16 October 2011. This is also the location for the final leg of the 2011 season. Competitors therefore have the unique opportunity to secure points for both the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 and 2012 seasons by competing at Les Etoiles de Pau.

WEG Central® - For the latest news in equestrian sport!

Jumping: Ocala: Natalya Jarczyk Brings Home the Blue in the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic at HITS Ocala

© ESI Photography.
Natalya Jarczyk and Frivole Des Pres on course in the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

OCALA, FL (March 1, 2011)--The crowd was red hot on Saturday night at HITS Post Time Farm as Natalya Jarczyk and her own Frivole Des Pres captured the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Exhibitors, family and friends filled the stands and The Overlook VIP Club to support one of HITS Ocala's most coveted events.

Jumping: Sunday Special! HITS Winter Circuits in Ocala, Arizona and Thermal Produce Grand Prix Champs from Coast to Coast

© ESI Photography.
Manuel Torres and Chambacunero on course in the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Ocala, Florida - $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health
On Sunday, daybreak in Ocala saw a dense fog lift to reveal another glorious day with bright sunshine and temperatures in the 80s at HITS Post Time Farm for the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix,

Jumping: Ocala: HITS: International Star Andre Thieme Scores Big as HITS Ocala Reaches New Heights in a Record-Breaking Weekend

© ESI Photography.
Andre Thieme and Cesar on course in Sunday's $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. 

OCALA, FL (February 22, 2011)-- The Ocala Winter Circuit had a record-breaking weekend as the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, had the largest Grand Prix starting field ever seen in Ocala with 50 competitors in the tack. Sunday's record came on the heels of Thursday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which set the record at 48 starters. Andre Thieme of Plau Am See, Germany, and his own Cesar captured the top prize in the $50,000 event to highlight the week of competition at the Ocala Winter Festival.

Jumping: Ocala: HITS: Taylor McMurtry shines with her first Grand Prix win ever in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Ocala

© ESI Photography.
Taylor McMurtry and Just An Illusion on course in Sunday's $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

     
OCALA, FL (February 15, 2011)-- It wasn't just an illusion when Taylor McMurtry and her own Just An Illusion won Sunday's $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. The horse-and-rider combination celebrated their first Grand Prix win ever to conclude the Ocala Winter Classic.

Dressage: Dortmund: CDI: Scores for 9-13 February

Grand Prix - CDI

• 1. El Santo NRW - Werth, Isabell  - 76.170 % (Germany)
• 2. Augustin OLD - Max-Theurer, Victoria - 74.170 % (Austria)
• 3. Herzruf's Erbe - Salzgeber, Ulla - 72.766 % (Germany)

Dressage: West Palm Beach: CDI-W Scores for 11-13 February

Prix St Georges

• 1. Heather Blitz - Paragon 70.614 (USA)
• 2. Shawna Harding - Rigo - 70.044 (USA)
• 3. Tom Dvorak - Key West - 69.079 (Canada)
• 4. Tom Noone - Delphino - 68.509 (USA)

Dressage: Thermal CDN: Scores

USEF Developing Horse Test - Warm Up

• 1. Kennedy, Heather - Don Dior - 55.000%

Prix St Georges

• 1. Wolff, Stephan - Ludwig - 73.947% 
• 2. Ahl-Eckhaus, Jackie - Something Else  - 66.842%
• 3. Clemons, Christina - Destino - 66.842%
• 4. Kennedy, Heather - Escada Magica - 66.316% 
• 5. Reilly, Michelle - Wysteria Giana  -  64.211% 
• 6. Stroh, Lindsey - Fadora - 62.368%
• 7. Vetsch, Cherie - Sandro Gold - 62.368%
• 8. Cannerelli, Jennifer - Mc Lean - 55.263%

Eventing: Puhinui: Lizzie Brown Takes Puhinui CCI3* - by Virginia Caro

2010 Puhinui International Three-Day Event

13/12/2010 3:50:33 p.m.

Cambridge’s Lizzie Brown won the Auckland Council CCI3* class at the Puhinui Three-day Horse Trials on Henton Attorney General, having led from the start, to move to the top of the Bell Tea Super League at the halfway stage of the series.

Jumping: Geneva: Credit Suisse Grand Prix Results

Credit Suisse Grand Prix
Epreuve pré-qualification pour le Rolex FEI World Cup * Barème A au chronomètre avec un barrage au chronomètre * Hauteur : environ 1.55m - Vitesse : 375m/minute
19:00 - 9-12-2010

 

Rank	CNR	HORSE - Breeding sex\colour\born\sire x siredam\	RIDER Owner		CHF	1st Round	Jump-Off	Time
1	25	Antares F - BAWUE G \ Grey \ 2000 \ Araconit x Cento \	McLain  Ward (USA) Grant Road Partners		30000	0.00	0.00	34.96
2	166	BMC van Grunsven Simon - KWPN G \ Bay \ 1999 \ Mr Blue x Polydox \	Jeroen  Dubbeldam (NED) van Grunsven Paardensport Bv		20000	0.00	0.00	35.07
3	212	Torinto van de Middelstede - BWP M \ Bay \ 1996 \ Remondo x Azur Depaulstra \	Guy  Williams (GBR) Guy Williams		15000	0.00	0.00	35.15

Dressage: World Cup: Werribee: Wigan Wins the Pacific League World cup Final

Equestrian Australia Press Release

12 December, 2010

Chantal Wigan and Ferero won the Pacific League World Cup Final at the Saddleworld Dressage Festival.  The pair scored 69.000% to win the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday night at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.  They also won the Grand Prix on Friday.

Jumping: World Cup: STAUT AND SILVANA SCORCH TO VICTORY IN GENEVA - by Louise Parkes

Kevin Staut from France, riding Silvana de Hus, accepts a Rolex watch from Mr Jean-Noel Bioull of Rolex as winner of today's sixth leg of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series in Geneva, Switzerland.  Photo: Kit Houghton.

ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP™ JUMPING 2010/2011 - ROUND 6
Geneva SUI, 12 December 2010

FEI TV - Re-live the excitement of today's competition and enjoy highlights, interviews and archive footage at www.feitv.org

Kevin Staut and Silvana de Hus scorched to victory today in the sixth leg of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series at Geneva in Switzerland.  The 30 year old Frenchman, who continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the Rolex World Rankings and who was already leading the Western European