The ESSO Challenge World Cup got the best of most of its 40 entries. The one, who separated herself from the pack today, was Beezie Madden of the United States.
Today with her 12 year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Coral Reef Via Volo, Madden blasted around the first round course. With 17 jumping efforts, a time allowed of 87 seconds and a track over 580 metres that was no easy task. “I thought the course was excellent and well rounded,” said Madden. “It took not only a good horse but a good rider to clear that course,” continued Madden. Only two others were up to the task. Joining Madden in the jump-off were fellow American, Leslie Howard and Canadian Yann Candele.
Course designer, Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA), knew he had set a challenging course but felt the horses and riders were ready for what he put forth. “I got the result I was expecting,” said D’Ambrosio. “The water jump is a big reason we didn’t have more clean,” continued the course designer, explaining, “it’s a difficult jump to jump and it makes the whole course more difficult.
Madden was first back for the jump-off and was aware of the two coming in after her. “I think naturally, their horses have a quicker stride than mine, so I had to put the pressure on,” explained Madden. That pressure put Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo across the finish line in 36.43 seconds.
Following Madden into the jump-off was Leslie Howard and her 11 year-old Oldenburg gelding, Lennox Lewis 2. After a couple of slips Lennox Lewis 2 pulled a rail, allowing Madden a sigh of relief.
If Yann Candele was going to win, he would have to ride is mare, Pitareusa perfectly. A bad turn forced him to speed up, costing him a rail and the win in the ESSO Challenge World Cup.
For Madden, it was her second win on her new mare in as many days. “I’m ecstatic,” said Madden after her win.
ESSO Challenge World Cup top 10 –
1. Beezie Madden – USA – Coral Reef Via Volo
2-. Yann Candele – CAN – Pitareusa
3. Leslie Howard – USA – Lennox Lewis 2
4. Jill Henselwood – CAN – Bottom Line
5. Mark Watring – PUR – Green Sleeps Vioco
6-. Antonio Maurer – MEX – Charro
7. Jonathan Millar – CAN – Contino 14
8. Mario Deslauriers – USA – Vicomte D
9-. Charlie Jayne – USA – Urbanus
10. Eric Lamaze – CAN – Hickstead
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