Rich Fellers Takes Top Two Spots in $25,000 Tommy Bahama Grand Prix

Langley, BC – Riders came dressed in their island best for Friday’s $25,000 Tommy Bahama Grand Prix. Challenging a course by international designer, Peter Holmes, a field of 27 riders was reduced to 11 clear rounds and a very exciting jump-off. Riding fast and leaving out strides, Rich Fellers brought home the win on Flexible and took second place with Kilkenny Rindo.

Starting the second round, Fellers was first into the ring with Kilkenny Rindo. Galloping from fence two to three and leaving a stride out, Fellers lay down a quick time that would be tough to beat. Joelle Froese on Condor came close with a time of 39.71 over Fellers 39.06, sliding into second.

Ireland’s Jennifer Crooks on SF Sadin was next into the ring, starting strong, but dropping a rail in the combination and a second one in the back half of the course to finish with eight faults. Dominique Shone on Wakyra had four faults and Christina Marlin had a feisty ride on Lakey that ended with eight faults.

Midway through the pack, it was time for Fellers and Flexible. Delivering a flawless ride, Fellers leaned close to the horse’s neck for the last two fences, showing the crowd why they are one of the top speed teams in the world. His time of 37.63 would not be beat.

Cara Anthony and Romeo followed Fellers lead, leaving a few strides out, but eight faults would keep them out of the ribbons. Local favourite, Langley’s Brian Morton, rode clear on Spitfire, leaving the ring with a smile and a few thumbs up to the crowd.

Andrea Harris and Gyro had four faults, as did Jennifer Crooks and her second mount, SF Uyradi. The final rider, Richmond’s Christopher Lowe, dropped a rail at the combination and then a second in the back half of the course to finish with eight faults and just out of the ribbons.

$25,000 Tommy Bahama Grand Prix Top 8

Rider Horse Round 1 Round 2

1. Rich Fellers Flexible 77.08 / 0 37.63 / 0

2. Rich Fellers Kilkenny Rindo 80.58 / 0 39.06 / 0

3. Joelle Froese Condor 79.53 / 0 39.71 / 0

4. Brian Morton Spitfire 79.79 / 0 43.07 / 0

5. Andrea Harris Gyro 81.54 / 0 40.89 / 4

6. Dominique Shone Wakyra 83.28 / 0 43.97 / 4

7. Jennifer Crooks SF Uyradi 80.51 / 0 48.18 / 4

8. Jennifer Crooks SF Sadin 81.99 / 0 39.98 / 8

The final big class of the season runs Sunday. Thunderbird Show Park welcomes spectators for the $75,000 Keg Steakhouse & Bar Grand Prix starting at 2 p.m. For schedules, directions and other details, visit www.thunderbirdshowpark.com.