The second day of the Canadian Equestrian Championships kicked off bright and early with the show jumping test, and Quebec riders sweaping the coveted first three places. Emmanuelle Bolduc was the fastest in 55.83 seconds. Olivia D’Errico took 2n place with a time of 57.88 seconds, while Alexandre Gonzalez finished 3rd in 58.87 seconds.
FEI-recognized course designer Sven Loewe concocted a highly technical yet entertaining ride. Commonly referred to as the “speed” test, the format required exacting precision from the riders, who also had to be mindful of keeping faults to a minimum. “This was a good test for the competitors. The course design, which allowed riders to shave off precious seconds with sharp turns and great gallops, particularly towards the last obstacle, was very interesting. This is where Emmanuelle saved the most time”, explains Marie-Claire Savard, Head Coach for Team Quebec.
Fourth competitor on the course, Tamara Ducatel from Quebec sails through her ride in 60.62 seconds, but lowers a rail. From Team Saskatchewan, Jessica Mc Kinnon and MiniMuffin perform the first flawless run in 60.43 seconds, which put them in the lead at this stage of the competition. PEI team member Jaime MacDonald stops the clockwatch at 65.96 seconds, while Matthew Cormier from Nova Scotia does even better at 62.93 seconds. Aboard Karlito, a loaned horse property of Matthieu Allard, his teammate Kasi deJong also does well with a faultless run. She is missing but a little speed to take the lead. From Val David, Alexandre Gonzalez and Signature overthrow the rankings, taking the lead with a flawless run in 58.87 seconds. Olivia D’Errico’s time of 57.88 is yet even better, and she clenches the lead. But the last participant would ultimately have the last word. Determined to win this test, Emmanuelle Bolduc applies her strategy, and everything goes according to plan. She and her horse Carriere perform a flawless ride in 55.83 seconds to claim victory.
“Team Quebec in Show Jumping has performed well since the beginning. All teams are very competitive, and this is an amazing atmosphere for us to ride in,” confided Gisèle Pagé, chef d’equipe for the Quebec delegation. Results from yesterday and today put Quebec well on its way to a Team gold medal. Individual medals in the Junior and Senior cagetories will be awarded with but a mere shaving between points earned. The third test of this exciting event will take place in the early afternoon of Sunday.
The Canadian Equestrian Championships are part of the Caballista event, which takes place at the Bromont Olympic Horse Park until September 18, 2011. At the end of the competion, riders will receive Individual and Team Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The province having scored the best overall result will be known during the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday afternoon.
The Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park is located at 450 chemin de Gaspé, Highway 10, Exit 78. Admittance and parking are free.
Results
1st Emmanuelle Bolduc / Carriere 0, 55.83 – (Qc)
2nd Olivia D’Errico / She’s the One 0, 57.88 (Qc)
3rd Alexandre Gonzalez / Signature 0, 58.873 (Qc)
4th Jessica MacDonald / MiniMuffin (SK) 0, 60,63
5th Matthew Cormier / Genuine (NS) 0, 62.93
6th Kasi DeJong / Karlito (BC) 0, 65.96
7th Katelyn Murnaghan / Limestone Willow (IPE) 4, 59.28
8th Tamara Ducatel / Aviva (Qc), 4, 60.62
9th Evan Phinney / Duke of Earl 8, 67.36
10th Heather Brodsky / Qui Est-ce, 4, 67.74
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