Phillip Dutton Tops CCI3* at Jersey Fresh

It was all sunshine and blue skies on the final day of competition at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event (JFI), presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates. Sally Ike’s show jumping course tested the fitness and athleticism of both horse and rider after three days of high caliber competition.

In the CCI3*, Phillip Dutton aboard Mr. Candyman won the weekend with a final score of 58.9. Cornelia Dorr and Louis M topped the CCI2* with a score of 49.8. In the CIC3*, Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous won the division on a final score of 57.7. Winner of the CCI2*, Lauren Kieffer with D.A. Duras, produced a beautiful round ending on a final score of 50.9.

Dutton and Mr. Candyman, the 16.3 hand Hanoverian gelding owned by Ann Jones, Tom Tierney, Caroline Moran and Bridget Cole, put in a professional round as the last pair to go in the CCI3* division. With no time or jump faults, the pair finished their weekend as the CCI3* winner with a score of 58.9. Dutton and Mr. Candyman were also awarded a brand-new County Saddle, provided by JFI sponsor Country Saddlery and the “Best Conditioned Horse” in the CCI3* sponsored by Horseware. Lizzy Jahnke and Princeton, an eleven-year-old New Zealand TB gelding owned by Lightspeed Equestrian, jumped a clear round in their first CCI3*, only incurring one time penalty to finish in second place on a score of 75.8. Also competing in his first CCI3*, Dom Schramm and Bolytair B, the eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Connor Giesselman, had two unfortunate rails down to add to their score. The pair however, held onto their position to finish in third place with a score of 87.4.

“To win at this level is a great achievement,” said Dutton. “Cements my idea that he’s (Mr. Candyman) ready for a four star now. With the difficult conditions yesterday, I liked the way he handled things and was very mature about things and then to come out and jump well today. I couldn’t be more pleased with this horse.”

Completing her first CCI2*, Dorr and Louis M, her twelve-year-old Rhinelander gelding, were victorious in the CCI2* division ending her weekend on a 49.8. Dorr was also the recipient of the “Best Conditioned Horse” in the CCI2* sponsored by Horseware. Boyd Martin and Kyra, the ten-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare owned by Christine Turner, secured a second-place finish with a final score of 52.2 after a double clear show jumping round. Rounding out the top three, Jennie Brannigan piloted the seven-year-old Twilightslastgleam, owned by Nina Gardner, around the ring to producing a fault-free performance to take third in the CCI2* on a score of 56.6.

“I knew he (Louis M) would be a little bit tired but he’s done this before,” said Dorr. “I had trust in him to take care of me if he needed to. I supported him to the verticals. I was hoping everything would go well. I didn’t need to win; my goal was just to complete.”

In the CIC3*, Little and RF Scandalous, the twelve-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Jacqueline Mars, Robin Parsky, and Phoebe Manders, pulled one unlucky rail in the show jumping phase to add four penalties to their score ending the competition with a total score of 57.7. With the healthy lead after their cross-country round, Little and RF Scandalous

maintained their position and took home the top honors. Boyd Martin and Testserleg, the 16.3 hand Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner, continued to climb the leaderboard, jumping clear to move into second place with a final score of 69.6. In third place in the CIC3*, William Coleman aboard Boris O’Hara, the eleven-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Kathleen McDermott, were foot perfect in show jumping soaring up the ranks ending their competition weekend on a 70.2.

“I was really pleased with her (RF Scandalous) effort this weekend and thought she handled the weather well,” said Little. “She is quite courageous and showed that this weekend, and I have a lot more confidence going into next month to Germany where it can pour. I think she took away a great experience and that she felt good this morning. It’s been a great experience this weekend.”

The CIC2* concluded in style as Kieffer and D.A. Duras, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars, Debbie Adams, and the D.A. Duras Partnership, put in a stellar show jumping round to secure their position as the 2017 CIC2* Champion with a final score of 50.9. It is with no surprise that after a successful weekend in all three phases, in all

kinds of weather, D.A. Duras was awarded the “Best Conditioned Horse” in the CIC2* sponsored by Horseware. Keiffer’s groom, Jenn Cain was also recognized by winning the best groom award.

“He’s great. He’s a careful horse and super fresh, yesterday didn’t take much out of him,” said Kieffer about D.A. Duras. “He’s pretty fit, so that’s a good sign heading into Bramham.” Keiffer was quick to applaud her team, both local and abroad, for their support and help in keeping things going during her show schedule. “I definitely have the best team, I’m so fortunate that I’m allowed to have such great people in my group. I’m super fortunate to have such a great team.”

Kieffer also reflected on her time competing at JFI and her appreciation for the effort the JFI team put into the event. “The event has improved. They (JFI) are making the effort and the riders appreciate it. It’s very important we have the FEI events this time of the year. I’ve come to Jersey every year and its always been on my calendar.”

Sharon White’s own Cooley On Show, the 16.3 hand Irish Sport Horse gelding, came in second place in CIC2* with a final score of 51.8. In an emotional awards ceremony, White was also awarded the Philippa Humphreys Memorial Sportsmanship Award where a contribution from JFI will be made in White’s name to go towards Humphreys daughter, Millie’s, scholarship fund.

“I think the Philippa award kept everything in perspective,” said White. “She loved her relationship with her horses and this is what it is all about. That’s the important thing about this weekend, you’re out here getting to know your horses and getting the job done.”

Rounding out the top three in the CIC2* division is Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Ruben D’Ysieux, a twelve-year-old Selle Francais gelding, had a double clear round in show jumping to end with a final score of 59.9.

JFI’s 2017 Charitable Partner, FlyPups, Inc hosted a fund-raiser 5K Run along with a 1K Fun Walk, co-sponsored by Zoetis’ around the JFI show grounds, culminating in a pooch and people party in the center of the Grand Prix Arena during “a paws in the competitive action.”

A most worthy effort and cause, FlyPups, based in Pottersville, NJ, transports dogs from desperate situations to no-kill shelters and foster situations where they can be nurtured and prepared for placement in forever homes. FlyPups’ focus on using aircraft to deliver dogs distinguishes the organization’s operations. Bringing these dogs safely and efficiently to those prepared to welcome and give them new lives is at the heart of FlyPups’ mission.

FlyPups is also honored to collaborate in the transportation of dogs trained to aid U.S. Veterans, partnering with local nonprofits that provide companion and service dogs to soldiers who have bravely served. In addition, FlyPups stands ready to deliver aid and relocate dogs after natural disasters.

The 2017 Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event takes place at the Horse Park of New Jersey, a premier venue that draws top equestrian competitors across a multitude of disciplines. Additional details regarding the 2017 schedule of events and competition updates are posted at www.jfi3d.com.