The 1.40 m Desjardins Challenge Modified Grand-Prix ended the afternoon in style, on the eve of the last day of competition at the Classique Internationale Blainville. 17 equestrians, among whom Québec natives David Arcand, Stéphanie Morier, Mélissa Marcotte, François Lamontagne, Mélissandre Lincourt, Laurence Addison and Annie Guillemette, signed up for the $15,000 prize. Once again, François Lamontagne claimed the top spot, followed by Ontario native Jennifer Wallace and Laurence Addison in third place.
FEI-recognized course designer Linda Allen, from the United States, offered a low difficulty run which was very inviting to riders and horses alike. 560 metres long, the course presented 13 obstacles and two double combinations, with a time allowed for completion of 90 seconds.
First to the challenge, Laurence Addison and her faithful mare C-Tje set the tone with a flawless run. Hugh Graham with two mounts, along with Ainsley Vince, Jennifer Wallace, François Lamontagne, David Arcand and Annie Guillemette, all find themselves competing in the jump-off. Mélissandre Lincourt unfortunately garners a rail fault at the very first obstacle, while Liubov Kochetova from Russia is eliminated due to a course error.
At the jump-off, Laurence Addison reigns faultless with a 49.48 seconds time to beat. Jennifer Wallace finally breaks that stride, clocking off at 46.63 seconds. François Lamontagne and Unik Circa shave three seconds off, completing their run in 43.69 seconds. Annie Guillemette puts in a great effort, performing in an excellent time of 43.44 seconds, but suffers a rail fault at the second-to-last obstacle. François Lamontagne is thus declared victorious!
The Classique Internationale Blainville ends on Sunday July 17, with the much-awaited World Cup Qualifier scheduled around 3h00 pm. Family-fun activities are also on deck throughout the day. Situated north of Montreal, the Blainville Equestrian Park welcomes you at 1025, chemin du Plan Bouchard, Highway 15, Exit 25, 450 621-8899, info@classiqueblainville.com, http://www.classiqueblainville.com/.
Results :
1st François Lamontagne / Unik Circa 0-0, 43.69
2nd Jennifer Wallace / Naiade de Kergane 0-0, 46.63
3rd Laurence Addison / C Tje 0-0, 49.48
4th Annie Guillemette / Rmani 0-4, 43.44
5th David Arcand / Ungaro 0-4,47.97
6th Hugh Graham / Double Diamond 0-8, 46.33
7th Hugh Graham / Feature Attraction 3e 0-8, 47
8th Ainsley Vince / Utopie des Hautes 0- Eliminated at Jump-Off
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