Mario DesLauriers aboard Paradigm wins “The Ricoh” Big Ben Challenge to close out the 2006 Royal Horse Show

Ian Miller and InStyle capture Leading Canadian Rider Award

Michael Whitaker and Insul Tech Portofino 63 earn Leading International Rider Award

Ten riders were clear in the first round of Saturday Night’s “The Ricoh” Big Ben challenge, an Article 238.2.2., 12 obstacle , 15 effort course designed by Canada’s 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist Michel Vaillancourt.

All 6400 seats were filled as 10 from this international field returned for the jump off. The jump off qualifiers included American’s McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Richard Spooner and last years Big Ben winner Laura Kraut again riding Anthem. Canada was well represented in the jump off with Mario DesLauriers, Ian Millar, and Jill Henselwood. The balance of the field consisted of Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker, Norway’s Geir Gulliksen and the Netherland’s Eric Van Der Vleuten.

Four of the riders were double clear with Canadian Mario DesLauriers having the best time of 35.68. Finishing second with a time of 36.68 was Laura Kraut and Anthem. Canadian Ian Millar tripped the timers at 37.26 for a third place finish.

Eight Time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar and In Style earned the Top Canadian Rider Award. Millar claimed victory winning the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open on Friday evening.

The top International Rider Award went to Michael Whitaker and Portofino 63.

Results - $60,000 Big Ben Challenge
1. PARADIGM MARIO DESLAURIERS MARIO DESLAURIERS 20000
2. ANTHEM SUMMIT SYNDICATE LAURA KRAUT 13000
3. IN STYLE LOTHLORIEN/SUE GRANGE IAN MILLAR 9000
4. INSUL TECH PORTOFINO 63 MICHAEL WHITAKER MICHAEL WHITAKER 6000
5. CATTANI 17 GEIR GULLIKSEN & ATTG SPORTPFERDE GMBH GEIR GULLIKSEN 4000
6. GOLDIKA 559 MCLAIN WARD MCLAIN WARD 2500
7. AUDI’S PALOMA H.W.J. GROL ERIC VAN DER VLEUTEN 1800
8. CRISTALLO SHOW JUMPING SYNDICATE RICHARD SPOONER 1500
9. INTEGRITY ABIGAIL WEXNER BEEZIE MADDEN 1300
10. SPECIAL ED JUNIPER FARMS LTD. JILL HENSELWOOD 900
11. CIM CHRISTO GOTHAM ENTERPRISES LLC GEORGINA BLOOMBERG 0
12. ROBIN VAN ROOSENDAEL LOOKING BACK FARM ERYNN BALLARD 0

November 12th, 2006 | HJN Staff Reporter |

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