Fans gathered at Thunderbird Show Park for Sunday’s $100,000 CSI***-W Facet Advisors World Cup Qualifier were treated to high flying action from Olympians, Nation’s Cup contenders and some of the fastest riders on the continent. In a field of thirty competitors, seven would advance to the jump off, with California’s Vinton Karrasch putting in the winning round aboard his new mount, Coral Reef Follow Me II.
International Designer, Alan Wade, set a challenging course that tested riders with a tricky triple combination and tall verticals to narrow the field.
The second round got underway with a fast ride by 2012 World Cup Champions, Rich Fellers and Flexible. Looking to set the pace, the pair had the speed, but clipped a rail to post 4 faults with a time of 44.55. Allyssa Hecht and her 11 year-old Holsteiner gelding got caught in the double, but settled in to come home at 53.66. Canada’s Ellicia Edgar was next into the ring, posting eight faults and a time of 49.26.
Vinton Karrasch and Coral Reef Follow Me II were next. A new partnership, Karrasch and the 9 year-old Westphalian stallion placed second in Friday’s $33k Maui Jim Grand Prix. Sailing over the first few fences, Follow Me got a good rub on the International Gems fence, drawing a gasp from the crowd, but the rail stayed up and Karrasch galloped across the final fence to big cheers and a time of 45.62.
“I don’t do well when I over strategize,” explained Karrasch. “My plan is always to focus on the doing best that I can do, making every part of the course the best that I can and hopefully my best is good enough.”
A forward gallop throughout from Susan Hutchison on Ziedento was just off the pace at 47.01.
“You’ve got to be happy with a double clear,” she said.
Brenda Riddell and Dutch Amouretta delivered a solid round, clear with a time of 51.71 to land in third overall after Tiffany Sullivan and Tristan posted eight faults.
“This level is new for my horse and I, so I was just happy to be double clean – and survive,” Riddell joked.
One of several riders with multiple horses in the class, Karrasch was equally pleased with his Oldenburg stallion, Coral Reef Baloufino.
“He hasn’t been participating as much as I would like him to, but on Friday and again today he tried his hardest, so I was really happy with him. He’ll be full force next week.”
In addition to prize money, the top three finishers in the class picked up a diamond ring from sponsor, International Gems. Known for their incredible custom designs and hand made pieces, International Gems are the leading experts in rebuilding and refurbishing family heirlooms. With over 36 years experience, they offer everything from the simplest repair to the finest design.
Competitors get two days off before returning to the ring on Wednesday for the Summer Fort Festival, which runs through to Sunday, August 24th. Events include the $50k Dianne Tidball Legacy Grand Prix on Friday, August 22nd at 4:30pm, the $10k Noel Asmar Equestrian Classic on Saturday, August 23rd at 2pm and the $55k Bryan Anderson Memorial Grand Prix on Sunday, August 24th at 2pm to wrap up the two week tournament.
$100,000 CSI***-W FACET ADVISORS WORLD CUP QUALIFIER – Top 12
Place/Rider/Horse/Owner/Time/Faults
1. Vinton Karrasch (USA)/Coral Reef Follow Me II/Coral Reef Ranch/45.62/-
2. Susan Hutchison (USA)/Ziedento/St. Bride’s Farm/47.01/-
3. Brenda Riddell (CAN)/Dutch Amouretta/Silverstar Farms/51.71/-
4. Rich Fellers (USA)/Colgan Cruise/Harry & Mollie Chapman/44.55/4
5. Allyssa Hecht (USA)/Calero/Neaulani Farms/53.66/4
6. Ellicia Edgar (CAN)/Cippolini VD Gasthoeve/Peter Edgar/49.26/8
7. Tiffany Sullivan (USA)/Tristan/Haley Farms, LLC/58.98/8
8. Vinton Karrasch (USA)/Coral Reef Baloufino/Coral Reef Ranch/75.28/4
9. Jack Towell (USA)/Man in Black/Jennifer Gates/76.41/4
10. Juan Pablo Gnecco (COL)/New York/OnlyJumpers.com/78.18/4
11. Jenn Serek (CAN)/Okapi de Terlong/Nicolas Paillot/78.79/4
12. Ann Knight-Karrasch (USA)/Coral Reef Aajee/Coral Reef Ranch/79.54/4
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