Thermal, California, USA – March 16, 2023 – Robert Blanchette (IRL) looked like he was going to have a good day in the office on Carnlea Premier Balou in the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, taking an early lead. But then his day got a whole lot better.
Aboard Chardonnay, a 12-year-old Westphalian mare (Comme Il Faut x Jus De Pomme), owned by RTS Holdings LLC, the Irishman clocked in with the fastest time (77.967 seconds) in the single-round speed class, unseating his own lead at the time with his first mount, also owned by RTS Holdings LLC.
Two young riders, Michael Williamson (USA) and Ian McFarlane, each managed to snag a time between Blanchette’s two, pushing Carnlea Premier Balou into fourth.
Williamson (USA) and Granito Noordenhoek claimed second place, registering a fault-free performance all the way to the finish line in 80.051 seconds.
Ian McFarlane (IRL) and Escapado S, owned by Mountain View West Farm Inc., were almost a half-second slower than the latter two, holding on to third place with their time of 80.539 seconds.
While many riders thought Peter Grant’s (CAN) track was a step up in difficulty, Chardonnay saw it as a challenge she must overcome.
“She’s a fighter,” Blanchette said. “When the course looks difficult, she tries harder. If I do my job alright, she’s hard to beat.”
Chardonnay upped her etiquette for the day on the grass, especially considering she had a fast 4-fault round during week eight that kept her out of the prizegiving.
“She loves the grass,” he continued. “She tries harder. She thinks it’s a fancy dinner party on the grass and she’s on her best behavior.”
Chardonnay upped her etiquette for the day on the grass, especially considering she had a fast 4-fault round during week eight that kept her out of the prizegiving.
“She loves the grass,” he continued. “She tries harder. She thinks it’s a fancy dinner party on the grass and she’s on her best behavior.”
If you wonder why you haven’t seen him in top ribbons much this season at DIHP, it’s because Blanchette sat out the early part of the season with a minor injury, but he’s back in top form now with his two top horses, taking second place in the National Grand Prix during week eight with Carnlea Premier Balou and first and fourth in Thursday’s class.
“It’s actually been a godsend because I’m in better shape than I was before,” he joked. “When you have to stay in shape, you do it. When you’re young you can just go to parties and ride and it works out. Not when you’re 52.”
Blanchette, reflecting on a successful circuit that’s only getting sweeter with time, echoes the improvements everyone has praised, the grass field among them. “It’s a great circuit,” he said. “The new owners are doing a wonderful job. It just keeps getting better and better. I love the grass field.”
Final Results – $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic
1) Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Chardonnay / RTS Holdings LLC – 0 – 77.967
2) Michael Williamson (USA) & Granito Noordenhoek / Michael Williamson – 0 – 80.051
3) Ian McFarlane (USA) & Escapado S / Mountain View West Farm LLC – 0 – 80.539
4) Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Carnlea Premier Balou / / RTS Holdings LLC – 0 – 81.131
5) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Feyon / SWS Training & Sales – 0 – 81.135
6) Matias Fernandez (CHI) & Emotion Des Truffiers / L & L Equine Investments LLC – 0 – 82.667
7. Jamie Gornall (GBR) & Chacco’s Fleur PS / Jamie Gornall – 0 – 86.126
8) Hannah McLaughlin (USA) & Madame Unplugged / Hannah McLaughlin – 0 – 86.911
9) Joie Gatlin (USA) & Uccello De Will / Oakland Ventures LLC – 0 – 87.030
10) Braden James (USA) & Fardence / Braden James – 4 – 77.383
11) Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari / SIG International Inc. – 4 – 78.984
12) Jamie Sailor (USA) & Jeekee Van De Langvelden Z / Laura Kotimaki-Hurd – 4 – 81.036
Source: Press Release by Tori Bilas for Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / HD – High Desert Photo / MG / ON
Source: Press Release by Tori Bilas for Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / HD – High Desert Photo / MG / ON
Categories: Desert Horse Park, USEF Rated
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