Canadians took the top spots at the 2019 Red Hills Horse Trials, March 7-10, in Tallahassee. Selena O’Hanlon took first place in the CCI 4*, while Jessica Phoenix topped the CCI 3*.
O’Hanlon and Foxwood High scored 26.80 in the dressage phase, which was good enough for second place going into cross country. They were one of just two finishers in the CCI 4* to complete the cross country course under the optimum time of 6:36, though the other withdrew before show jumping. Selena stopped the clock at 6:31 and with no other penalties moved onto the stadium round in first place where her four fault score allowed them to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Since the CCI4*-S started 21 years ago, only five riders have made the optimum time but Selena and Foxwood High have done so twice. The first time was in 2013 when Selena rode both Foxwood High and A Fine Romance inside the time.
Australia’s Clayton Fredericks and FE Ophelia were second with a score of 38.90. Fellow Canadian Phoenix took third place with her long-time partner Pavarotti, with a final score of 43.70.
In the CCI 3*, Phoenix rode Bentley’s Best to first place. The pair held onto the lead from the start, scoring 25.00 in dressage, picking up no penalties in cross country and just four faults in stadium jumping. Fellow Canadian Karl Slezak finished in sixth place with Fernhill Wishes and a score of 32.60.
Americans Hannah Sue Burnett, with Lukeswell, and Caroline Martin, with Danger Mouse, finished third and fourth with scores of 31.50 and 31.70 respectively.
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Even more smiles during today’s stadium rounds. Here are Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best.
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