The first week of the Classique Internationale Blainville ended with the 1.40m Québec Grand-Prix Jumping. Thanks to the support of the Government of Québec, the event came with a $40,000 prize. 37 rider-horse teams stepped up to the starting line, including Québec natives François Lamontagne, Laurence Addison, Stéphanie Morier, Mélissa Marcotte, Nicolas-Xavier Bélanger and Nicolas Bayzelon. Big names from the Canadian Equestrian Team were also in attendance. An 8-rider jump-off was necessary to call François Lamontagne the winner, followed by Yann Candele and Roberto Teran in third place.
The course designed by Sven Loewe was very technical, particularly at the onset of the double combination which was followed by an oxer, and in a triple combination that demanded tremendous reactivity and respect from the horses. The run was comprised of 13 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts on a distance of 550 meters. The time allowed for completion was 89 seconds.
First competitor to the course, Hugh Graham cleared a faultless run aboard Distant Star 3rd. A member of the Canadian Equestrian Team, Eliott Stone matched that performance, thus declaring a jump-off. Young Natalie Bova from Ontario overcame all challenges, while Laurence Addison, still honing her trade at this level, garnered two rail faults. Kelley Robinson, Lanie Thomas and Stéphanie Morier each took a penalty point for outrunning the clock. After a refusal at the very first obstacle, Nicolas Bayzelon managed a fine run. Nicolas-Xavier Bélanger and Mélissa Marcotte would have attained perfection, if not for an unfortunate fallen rail. Yann Candele signed off on a flawless performance with two of his horses, while François Lamontagne, who had previously taken four penalty points with his top horse, was impeccable on Unik Circa.
Comprised of 6 obstacles, the jump-off required the riders to cut a few turns and dash into great gallops to shave off precious seconds. Natalie Bova’s 42.72 seconds time was the one to beat, until Roberto Teran stopped the clock at 39.48 seconds. Faithful to his reputation as a great jump-off rider, Yann Candele completed the course in 37.99 seconds. François Lamontagne then turned on his competitive mode, and clocked out at 35.81 seconds. Last ones to the starting line, Yann Candele and his 2nd mount Game Ready performed the best time, but drew a rail fault. Having to make do with a 5th position overall, Candele still landed 2nd place with Azzaro Van’t Hagenhof.
Fresh off the course, François Lamontagne was very happy. “This is an extraordinary horse”, he said of Unik Circa. “He is the property of Sarah Lemieux, who rides him in 1.30 m events. I will continue to compete with him until Sarah reaches this level next year. She has a promising future with Unik Circa, who will be a great mount for her, at least to the Talent Squad”, he stated. Let us all take note: Sarah Lemieux will be a name to remember in the future!
The second week of the Classique Internationale Blainville gets underway July 13 to July 17, with International level classes counting towards the world rankings and Pan Am Games qualification on schedule. A World Cup Qualifier will take place on July 17. Family-oriented activities will also have much fun in store for kids and grown-ups alike. Situated north of Montreal, the Blainville Equestrian Park welcomes you from July 6 to 10, and from July 13 to 17 at 1025, chemin du Plan Bouchard, Highway 15, Exit 25, 450 621-8899, info@classiqueblainville.com, http://www.classiqueblainville.com/.
Classique Internationale Blainville 1.40m Québec Grand-Prix Jumping
1. François Lamontagne / Unik Circa 0-0, 35.81
2. Yann Candele / Azzaro Van’t Hagenhof 0-0, 37.99
3. Roberto Teran / Vortex 0-0, 39.48
4. Natalie Bova / Belafonte 0-0, 42.72
5. Yann Candele / Game Ready 0-4, 34.87
6. Lauren Hunkin / Synergy Farm 0-4, 36.57
7. Eliott Stone / Caprilli Hsf 0-4, 39.81
8. Hugh Joseph Graham / Distant Star 0-8, 38.69
9. Kelley Robinson / Enzo 1 point
10. Lanie Thomas / Albion 1 point
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