Last night's Open Welcome Jumper class had spectators on the edge of their seats until the last moment. Out of a field of 21 competitors, 13 went clear in the first round and returned for the jump-off.
Edmonton's Jaclyn Duff, riding Phanta, was the second to return and set a blistering pace of 42.34 seconds over the 1.4m high course claiming first place, a position she held against eight challengers, until North Vancouver's Gary Brewster and Watermark unseated them with a clear round in a time of 42.22 seconds. Brewster's lead held against the remaining challengers, including his own second mount, Royal Vialli, until the final competitor entered the ring - Brewster again, this time riding Hurricane.
Brewster and Hurricane attacked the course at a blistering pace and handily won the class with a fast, clear round in a time of 41.31 seconds.
An Open Welcome Jumper class is usually the first class at that level, prior to the major Grand Prixs, and is an opportunity for riders and horses to test their mettle for the coming competitions. Course Designer Peter Holmes, of Victoria, BC, set a challenging course and gave the competitors a taste of what they can expect in the remaining Grand Prixs. As one spectator commented, after seeing the difficulty of the course, "Welcome to the real world!"
If this class was any indication, competition in the Grand Prix ring will be fierce and exciting for the rest of the week!
Placing Horse Rider Time Faults
1 Hurricane Gary Brewster 41.31 0
2 Watermark Gary Brewster 42.22 0
3 Phanta Jaclyn Duff 42.34 0
4 Pleasure Time Allen Kruger 44.18 0
5 WH-Cascarina Beda Wachter 44.37 0
6 Royal Vialli Gary Brewster 44.38 0
7 Marina Tosca Kochen 46.67 0
8 Lucky Star Frank Selinger 42.67 4 |
