Wilmington, Ohio – It was a banner night for Kady Abrahamson (USA) as she returned to World Equestrian Center – Wilmington for the Top Bedding $30,000 Grand Prix of Winter Classic 16. Course designer Robert Barton (USA) crafted the tracks in the Standlee Sanctuary for the talented field of athletes, though none could best Abrahamson and her top mount, Any (Aljano x Nina XI).
Abrahamson, of Georgetown, Kentucky, is no stranger to the winner’s circle at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington and returned looking to find her place on top once again.
The 15-year-old Holsteiner mare easily mastered the task at hand and yielded an easy clear first round securing their place in the jump-off phase.
Abrahamson commented on her comeback this winter series, “I have only been back riding for just over two weeks now. I broke my ankle the first week that I was in Florida and my first grand prix back was two weeks ago with Any and she was really good, so that gave me the confidence that I needed to be back in the saddle again. Any was the first one that I rode, jumped and showed coming back. Jazil is only eight and this was her first ever grand prix and both of horse’s second show this year. There were a few places that I felt a little rusty but they both really took care of me.”
Returning for the jump-off phase as the second to go, Abrahamson guided her seasoned mare to a time of 35.572 seconds for the win. Aboard her eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Jazil Du Houssoit (Peppermill x Gerboise Du Houssoit), she also secured fourth place honors.
“Any is older, and she knows how to do everything. She is very spooky and weird about traffic and things next to jumps. She is a bit alert about everything. She likes when the course is a bit thrown in her face, and if not, she gets a little strong. It was quite nice, and everything came up quickly. It rode quite difficult, but for my two it actually kept them thinking. They both think that they know more than me,” Abrahamson laughed.
Sam Pegg (CAN) of Ten Sixty Stables and Gin Tonic 158 (Graf Top x Sanjador) returned to the winner’s circle once again. The ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding jumped another blazing fast short course with Pegg in the irons, just short of the winning time. In 35.597 seconds, the duo secured second place.
Rounding out the podium was Keely McIntosh (USA) and Booth Show Jumper’s Inne Van De Plataan (Zurich x Fame Van De Plataan). McIntosh, of Georgetown, Kentucky, navigated a competitive double clear effort with the 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare and earned third place in 36.779 seconds.
Final Results – $30,000 Top Bedding Grand Prix
1) Kady Abrahamson (USA) & Any, Abrahamson Equestrian LLC | 0 | 35.572
2) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Gin Tonic 158, Ten Sixty Stables | 0 | 35.597
3) Keely McIntosh (USA) & Inne Van De Plataan, Booth Show Jumpers | 0 | 36.779
4) Kady Abrahamson (USA) & Jazil Du Houssoit, Abrahamson Equestrian LLC | 0 | 37.479
5) Sarah Long (USA) & Retroflex, Alan Manning | 0 | 38.758
6) Nicole Loochtan (USA) & It’s Me Du Bosquetiau, Nicole Loochtan | 1 | 87.058
7) Charlotte Clark (USA) & Kinsella, Charlotte Clark | 4 | 80.221
8) Keely McIntosh (USA) & La Perla VD Barbierbeek, Booth Show Jumpers | 4 | 84.396
9) Sam Pegg (CAN) & Formidable Diamant, Phyllis Harlow | 4 | 84.947
10) Lyriss Jaeger (USA) & FortySix & 2, Lyriss Jaeger | 6 | 88.236
Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center
Photos: © WEC – Winslow Photography
Categories: Results, USEF Rated, World Equestrian Center
JUMPER NEWS USA 