Christine McCrea rode Vegas to the win in the $100,000 Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup on Sunday. Twenty horse and rider combinations cam to the starting gate but only 5 managed to advance to the jump off with clear rounds.
In the jump off, Frankie Chesler Ortiz of Canada had the fastest time, 35.94, but two rails cost her eight faults. Chris Kappler was nec=xt in the ring aboard VDL Oranda. His faultfree ride in 36.82 seconds became the time to beat. McCrea, fourth to go, took up the challenge, and naviagted Vegas, through the course without incurring any penalties in a time that was .72 faster than Kapplers - 36.10 seconds - and won the event.
Kappler was second, Cara Raether oaboard Quilano de Kalvarie finished 3rd and, and Frankie Chesler Ortiz finished fourth.
The American Gold Cup is a qualifying event for the 2007 World Cup. It was the second qualifier of the season and was the second victory for McRea who also won the opener two weeks ago.
“I didn’t plan to even try to qualify for the World Cup,” she said, “but now that I’ve won the first two I guess I’ll just keep on going and see what happens.”
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