Ireland’s Denis Lynch Clinches $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington CSI4*-W at CP National Horse Show

Denis Lynch and RMF Echo
Denis Lynch and RMF Echo

Lexington, Ky. – Nov. 4, 2017 – The world’s best international horses and athletes went head-to-head in Saturday evening’s $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington CSI4*-W, presented by CP, at the 2017 CP National Horse Show. Show jumping fans gathered in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park to witness Irish Olympic veteran Denis Lynch and RMF Echo secure the week’s top prize.

Forty combinations turned out for the highly anticipated event in Lexington, Kentucky, all striving to collect valuable World Cup ranking points in lieu of the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Paris, France.

Canadian course designer Michel Vaillancourt built a technical track of 13 obstacles in the first round, which saw nine successfully produce clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Twenty-one-year-old Jennifer Gates (USA) and Evergate Stables LLC’s Pumped Up Kicks got the jump-off underway, posting the first double-clear performance of the night in 40.79 seconds.

Fresh off their win at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) exactly one week ago in the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington CSI4*-W, the next clear round came from Switzerland’s Beat Mändli and Grant Road Partners LLC’s Dsarie in 37.80 seconds to take over the lead.

Lynch and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood galloped around the short course to follow as the next double-clear finisher in 36.16 seconds to move into the top spot on the leaderboard.

With three left to go, it was Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Tequestrian Farms, LLC’s Coriandolo Di Ribano who were the last pair to jump clear in 36.52 seconds, sliding into the second place position ahead of Mändli, who took third place.

Lauren Tisbo and Coriandolo Di Ribano
Lauren Tisbo and Coriandolo Di Ribano

Lynch, who was part of the gold medal-winning team at the Longines FEI European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, in August, was approached by owners Frank and Monica McCourt of Rushy Marsh Farm to campaign RMF Echo just under one year ago. After competing all over Europe together for the majority of the year, the pair made their U.S. debut at WIHS last week.

They certainly made their overseas trip worthwhile, winning the prestigious class as well as the National Horse Show World Cup Trophy.

With the conclusion of Saturday’s class, eight of the 14 qualifying events in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League have been completed. After Saturday’s win, Lynch now sits in fourth place, tied with two others, in the Western European League of the 2017/2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping season with 20 points.

During the opening ceremonies prior to Saturday’s feature class, Laura Kraut was awarded the M. Michael Meller Style Award, which was presented to Kraut by Michael Meller for exemplifying the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure. In addition, Kraut was also awarded the Leading Lady Rider Award for her consistent top performances all week at the CP National Horse Show.

Show jumping competition at the 2017 CP National Horse Show will conclude on Sunday with the $15,000 Equithrive Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper series championship beginning at 8 a.m. followed by the final round of the $100,000 USEF Under 25 National Championship at 10 a.m.

Denis Lynch posing for presentations with stand-in mount RMF Bella Baloubet.
Denis Lynch posing for presentations with stand-in mount RMF Bella Baloubet.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Denis Lynch (IRL) – $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington CSI4*-W, presented by CP, winner

On his win:
“I went as quick as I could. ‘Echo’ is a naturally very, very quick horse and he’s been unlucky a few times this year where he’s been beaten. There have been maybe three or four grand prix events where he’s finished second. He’s been an incredible asset to Miami Glory, winning two Global [Champions League] team events. I think he really deserved it tonight and I’m very grateful that I am allowed to ride this wonderful horse. A big thank you to Rushy Marsh Farm!”

On RMF Echo:
“He’s got his own special way of jumping but he’s got an incredible heart and really tries a lot for his rider. The most important thing is what’s in their head and he wants to keep the jumps up. I don’t find his style difficult.”

On how he acquired RMF Echo:
“I started jumping him in some shows at the beginning of the year and he started progressing. He was actually sold after Versailles [in May] and I was very lucky that Rushy Marsh Farm stepped in over night and secured me the horse, which I’m incredibly grateful for. We’re very lucky to have him. He’s been fantastic.”

Lauren Tisbo (USA) – Second place

On her second place finish:
“These guys are way more experienced than I am. My horse had a little time off and we really geared him towards this show so I’m thrilled with the result.”

On Coriandolo Di Ribano:
“He goes in a racing saddle. He likes it and he’s happy with it so I’m not going to change it. I’ve had him for about two years in February. He’ll be 11 next year. He’s the best horse I have and I really took my time and gave him more than he needed to come back so he kind of missed a lot this year. I’m really quite pleased with how he’s come off his break.”

Beat Mändli (SUI) – Third place

On his third place finish:
“I just rode my round and I’m super happy with [Dsarie]. She was super to come back after last week and be at the top of the field again today. I’m just super happy with the horse.”

On his plans with Dsarie:
“After tonight’s performance, and gaining more points from last week, it gets me closer to the World Cup Finals, but with this horse I have a chance of going with the team to [the World Equestrian Games] in Tryon so I’ll take it step-by-step and see how it goes. If I’m qualified [for World Cup Finals], I imagine I’d go.”

On Dsarie:
“She is one of the best horses I’ve ever had, if not the best. I’m super happy to have her and come back in the spotlight with her. I’m sure she’ll show more talent in the future.”

Michel Vaillancourt – Course designer

On Saturday’s class:
“It’s such a wonderful arena. Most indoor venues are a lot smaller than this particular ring and it allows the course designer to be a little bit more creative and have a track that actually comes a little closer to outdoor jumping. When we do have a crowd and the event is on television, I really like to use every part of the ring as much as possible. I opted for this particular track because I thought it was a really fast, very open track with not so many twisty turns. I thought it was well balanced. I was very pleased with the first round performance and I thought the level was very strong tonight. The horses jumped fantastic in this footing and the faults occurred a little bit everywhere.”

Michael Morrissey – National Horse Show event manager

On the 2017 CP National Horse Show:
“I think the week has gone great — the competition, the quality of horses and quality of riders. I think our biggest need for this ring is putting a few more people in the seats for the riders that are giving us quality competition. Other than that, the team that has been put together to promote and put on the National Horse Show is astonishing.”

RESULTS

$250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington CSI4*-W, presented by CP:
Place / Horse / Rider / Country / Owner / R1 Faults / R2 Faults / Time
1. RMF Echo / Denis Lynch / IRL / Rushy Marsh Farm LLC / 0 / 0 / 36.16
2. Coriandolo Di Ribano / Lauren Tisbo / USA / Tequestrian Farms, LLC / 0 / 0 / 36.52
3. Dsarie / Beat Mändli / SUI / Grant Road Partners LLC / 0 / 0 / 37.80
4. Pumped Up Kicks / Jennifer Gates / USA / Evergate Stables LLC / 0 / 0 / 40.79
5. Eddie Blue / Devin Ryan / USA / LL Show Jumpers, LLC / 0/ 4 / 36.32
6. Cristalline / Adrienne Sternlicht / USA / Starlight Farms LLC / 0 / 4 / 36.95
7. Confu / Laura Kraut / USA / St. Bride’s Farm / 0 / 4 / 36.98
8. Hilfiger Van De Olmenhoeve / Emily Moffitt / GBR / Poden Farms / 0 / 4 / 40.55
9. California 62 / Andrew Ramsay / USA / The California Group / 0 / 8 / 37.19
10. Dolinn / Sayre Happy / USA / Evergate Stables LLC / 1 / 72.42
11. Veneno / Liubov Kochetova / RUS / Liubov Kochetova / 1 / 72.90
12. HH Callas / McLain Ward / USA / Double H Farm / 4 / 67.82

Jordyn Rose Freedman Tops First Round of 2017 ASPCA Maclay National Championship

Jordyn Rose Freedman and Finnick
Jordyn Rose Freedman and Finnick

Kicking off at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday was the first round of the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, presented by Chansonette Farm, one of the most sought-after prizes in junior equitation riding. In her last year as a junior, Jordyn Rose Freedman of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and Finnick topped the final callback list after the first round of over fences competition heading in to Sunday’s final rounds.

The championship, which spans across two days, began with the first round of jumping on Saturday, while the flat phase and second jumping phase will be held on Sunday. In addition, further testing may be requested by the judges on Sunday.

The Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park welcomed 177 horses and riders, who have spent all year competing to qualify for this year’s finals across eight regions throughout the country, to compete over Bobby Murphy’s first round course.

Freedman’s confident ride on Finnick impressed judges Ralph Caristo and Bernie Traurig, boosting Freedman to the top spot after her trip, which fell 117th in the order-of-go. Freedman maintained her lead for the remainder of the class, which wrapped up 60 trips later.

Under the guidance of trainer Linda Langmeier of Kelianda Farm, Freedman and Finnick successfully navigated several tricky elements on course including a double and triple combination, a triple bar fence, multiple skinny obstacles, an S-shaped bending line across the center of the ring and a tight inside rollback to the final oxer.

Before Freedman’s round, the talented Annabel Revers of Weston, Massachusetts, and Contigo 37 went 37th in the order, passing the course’s various tests with graceful ease to quickly move into the lead with the announcement of the first standby list. However, Revers would go on to finish the first round of competition sitting in third place as Madison Goetzmann of Skaneateles, New York, and San Remo VDL moved into second place after delivering a textbook round at 128th in the order.

The ASPCA Maclay National Championship will resume on Sunday at 1 p.m. with the flat phase followed by the second over fences round.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Ralph Caristo – 2017 ASPCA Maclay National Championship judge

On Saturday’s first round course:
“When we walked [the course] this morning we had some doubts about some of the lines, but Bobby Murphy did a fantastic job and guided us on some of the ideas that we had and incorporated that in the course. The course rode beautifully. It separated the riders, but it didn’t embarrass them so we were very pleased with how the course turned out. In the flat phase tomorrow, we expect the kids to measure up to what they’ve been taught.”

Bernie Traurig – 2017 ASPCA Maclay National Championship judge

On Saturday’s first round course:
“I thought fence one was a great challenge. It prevented a rideability issue for the riders and took its toll, I thought. It was a very beautiful course that Bobby did. Fence number six seemed to be a problem for a lot of horses — the ASPCA skinny. That spooked a lot of horses, but the course, I think, was really fair. I think we had a group of 8–10 beautiful rounds in this class. It was a really tough group this year. I expect we’re going to have a great finish to this tomorrow.”

RESULTS

Top 25 riders advancing to Sunday’s flat phase, beginning at 1 p.m.:
1. Jordyn Rose Freedman
2. Madison Goetzmann
3. Annabel Revers
4. Paige Matthies
5. Alexandra Worthington
6. Coco Fath
7. Grady Lyman
8. Ellie Ferrigno
9. Abigail Brayman
10. Cooper Dean
11. Alexandra Pielet
12. Natalie Stoyko
13. Daisy Farish
14. Samantha Cohen
15. Taylor St. Jacques
16. Madeline Schaefer
17. Hannah Doherty
18. Tanner Korotkin
19. Elizabeth McKim
20. Yasmin Rizvi
21. Emma Crosbie
22. Natalie Jayne
23. Chloe Wilkenfeld
24. Katherine Dash
25. Caroline Passarelli

Brian Moggre and MTM Fashion Named 2017 Grand Junior Hunter Champions

Brian Moggre and MTM Fashion
Brian Moggre and MTM Fashion

Hunter competition concluded on Saturday as the juniors were awarded their respective championships, separated by small and large with two age divisions in each. Brian Moggre bested these divisions overall with MTM Farm’s MTM Fashion to claim the Grand Junior Hunter Championship and the “Follow Me” Challenge Trophy.

Moggre and the 7-year-old Warmblood gelding were in perfect form, riding to the additional titles of Small Junior Hunter grand champion and Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter champion upon wins in the division’s stake class and handy round. The pair completed a successful indoors season, consistently picking up blue ribbons at the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the same division.

Moggre has also found great success in the jumpers, recently claiming the $25,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic at the 2017 American Gold Cup with Condero 3. Mimi Gochman and Evermore, owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC, performed blue ribbon rounds in the over fences and under saddle classes to finish with the reserve championship in the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division.

In the Small Junior 16–17 Hunter division, sponsored and presented by the Danhakl family, Kingpin and Annabel Revers claimed the championship. Revers continued from last year’s success with the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding as the duo also claimed the Madison Hills Farm Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division championship at the 2016 CP National Horse Show. Giavanna Rinaldi finished in reserve with Alex Jayne’s Bugsy Malone after winning Friday’s over fences class.

Sophie Gochman rode Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Garfield, to the Large Junior Hunter grand championship upon claiming the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division championship. Redfield Farm’s Capitalized took the reserve ribbon with Ellie Ferrigno.

Revers claimed her second championship aboard MTM Hands Down, owned by Beechwood Stables LLC, in the Large Junior 16–17 Hunter division, sponsored and presented by the Gochman family. The reserve championship was awarded to Katherine Dash and Whish LLC’s Everglow.

Brian Moggre and MTM Fashion
Brian Moggre and MTM Fashion

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Brian Moggre – 2017 CP National Horse Show Grand Junior Hunter Champion

On his championship:
“It’s so exciting. I love the hunters so much because it gives me a chance to take a breath and really focus on my own riding. I obviously have such an incredible horse. He won a blue at Devon and he actually won at every indoors show this season, which I’m very happy with. This is probably one of my favorite horse shows so it means a lot to win champion. I’m very grateful to my trainers who gave me this opportunity. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I’m thankful to have the best junior hunter ever.”

On MTM Fashion:
“‘Fashion’ belongs to my trainers Mike and [Tracy Fenney]. Tracy shows him in the First Years and does very well with him and I get to show him in the junior hunters, which I’m very grateful for. He’s amazing. I started showing him this past winter in January or February. He is so snuggly and so kind to be around. I love him.”

RESULTS

Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division champion:
MTM Fashion, ridden by Brian Moggre and owned by MTM Farm

Small Junior 16–17 Hunter division champion:
Kingpin, ridden by Annabel Revers and owned by Beechwood Stables LLC

Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division champion:
Garfield, ridden by Sophie Gochman and owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC

Large Junior 16–17 Hunter division champion:
MTM Hands Down, ridden by Annabel Revers and owned by Beechwood Stables LLC

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