Langley, BC (August 14, 2009) – The “Masters” Tournament at Spruce Meadows gets underway starting September 9, 2009, and it appears that Calgary’s John Anderson is ready. Thirty one riders took to the grass for the $32,500 Darnell & Co. Lawyers Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park on Friday, August 14. Seven riders advanced to the jump-off, but only three would post double clear rounds and just over a second would separate first from second. In the end it was John Anderson and Terrific who came out on top.
An early clear round by Emily George and Ramila, followed soon after by Bryna Closson and Rip Tide, promised good things for the competitors, but the course, set by international course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany, was tough. Challenging turns and two technical combinations resulted in rails for the majority of the field. Spectators would watch 18 riders go, some with high fault rounds, before the next clear round from Jeff Campf and London. Four more, in a row, would take seven riders into the jump off.
First into the ring was Emily George on Ramila. Delivering a perfect round, her time of 47.95 would be the one to beat. Bryna Closson tried, but she had a rail, while Jeff Campf on London had two. Rich Fellers, one of the world’s finest speed riders, thrilled the crowd with a quick trip on Kilkenny Rindo. Fast when he could be and careful when he needed to be, all the rails stayed up, even after a good rub on fence two.
Fellers’ position atop the leader board didn’t last long. John Anderson and Terrific had turf flying as they sped through the course and stole the lead with a time of 41.65. Jennifer Crooks finished with eights faults, while Gary Brewster and Royal Viali had four.
Terrific, a Dutch-bred nine-year-old gelding, shows great promise in the grand prix ring. Aboard this horse, Anderson has been rising through the ranks for the second time in his career. First propelled onto the international stage at 19, over twenty years ago, Anderson is headed for the top once again. For Terrific, coming to Thunderbird provides the experience and miles needed to tune both himself and his horses for Spruce Meadows.
$32,500 Darnell & Co. Grand Prix – Top 8
1. John Anderson London Clear 41.65
2. Rich Fellers Kilkenny Rindo Clear 42.75
3.Emily George Ramila Clear 47.95
4. Bryna Closson Rip Tide 4 Faults 44.69
5. Gary Brewster Royal Viali 4 Faults 47.16
6. Jeff Campf London 8 Faults 43.28
7. Jennifer Crooks SF Sadin 8 Faults 47.62
Emily George Quidam’s Ramiro 1 Fault in first round
Thunderbird Show Park is mid-way through the Summer Classic Tournament. The Park hosts the $10,000 International USHJA Hunter Derby on Saturday, August 15, at 4:30 p.m. and the $55,000 Warsteiner World Cup at 2 p.m. on August 16. Next week, the Park will host the $25,000 Tommy Bahama Grand Prix at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21, the $10,000 Province Speed Challenge at 4:30pm on Saturday, August 22, and the $75,000 Keg Steakhouse & Bar Grand Prix at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 23.
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