At Jumping Verona 2010 the riders had another opportunity to win a share of Euro50,000 prize fund when competing in today’s headline class, the Premio Antonio Carraro Small Grand Prix. Fences fell all over Rolf Luedi’s course in the first round with the first jump and the last (both oxers) probably causing as many problems as anything. Thirteen combinations jumped clear in the first round and for the jump off track, Rolf cleverly left only two turns where time could be made up so fortune was really did favour those brave enough to gallop. France’s Simon Delestre started second and set an excellent standard of 36.72 on Napoli Du Ry without appearing to go especially fast although he did make very balanced turns. It was looking as if he wouldn’t be caught at all but 12th to go was the by now familiar figure of Bernardo Alves. Bridget turned like a polo pony to take nearly a second off the time and 35.91 was good enough to give the Brazilian his second win in two days. “Yesterday, I loved Bridget, now I love her more” laughed Bernardo who is another Euro12’500 better off for his trouble. Argentina’s Jose Larrocha was delighted to be third on a back to his best Royal Power.
The result of the opening class was much more to the liking of the Italian spectators. Emanuele Gaudiano was the first to go in the 1.40 speed class and appeared to have left plenty of room for manouvre by the other riders when he stopped the clock in 58.71 with his latest ride, Corian. There were only six left to go before the lead was taken from him by Penelope Leprevost and Belle Dame who made a risky turn into fence eight that paid off for the French pair. They went through the finish in 57.14. However the home fans did get something else to cheer about when Paulo Zuvadelli steered Rodiamond round in 57.30 to take second place. Jessica Kuerten was fourth on Castle Forbes Cosma. Winner Penelope is another rider to be enjoying her first taste of Veronese hospitality. “There is much less pressure on me here compared to riding in France at Lyon last week so I can enjoy the show more! It doesn’t affect Belle Dame though, it is only me that gets more tense!”
Italy finally got a desreved home win in the Fondaria SAI Accumulator which closed proceedings on day two of Jumping Verona 2010. Ten combinations scored a maximum 65 points and four of them were Italian! The fastest time went to Italy’s dual silver medallist Juan Carlos Garcia. A speedy 45.13 was good enough to hold at bay the morning’s winning rider, Penelope Leprevost of France, by less than a tenth of a second. Riding Paulin and Myss Valette respectively the two riders were over a second better than their nearest pursuer, another Italian, Gianni Govoni with his new ride Star Apple. Juan Carlos and Gianni got a standing ovation from the packed stands for their efforts and the winner deserved every clap and cheer as he has been nursing a broken hand for three weeks. “But I do not think of it” said Juan Carlos, “it is so special to win in Italy, for me this is the best feeling.” Juan received Euro5000 for his efforts. Gianni was equally happy as this was only the 3rd show he has taken Star Apple to. The other Italian prize winners were Paulo Zuvadelli, 7th on Iouri Du Moulin and Emilo Biocchi was tenth with Chicago V.H. Moleneind.
Full results of all classes can be found at http://events.sja.it/concorsi/ar128/programma.asp and other information at http://www.jumpingverona.com/
Quotes
Emanuele Gaudiano
”This is only my second show on this horse so I did not know how fast he could go, it was a big surprise. And it is nice to do well in Italy. This does make up up a little for Oslo (where he was disqualified) Tommorow, I hope I can also do well in the Grand Prix to and then I will be even more happy.”
Simon Delestre
The jump off did go exactly to plan. I could not go crazy mad as before the class I had not decided which of my two best horses to ride in the World Cup qualifier tomorrow. But Napoli has jumped great in his last five Grand Prix’s and is clearly the horse in form so I will ride him on Sunday.”
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