Burbank, California. Harry and Molly Chapman’s McGuiness was all business in the $50,000 Los Angeles National Grand Prix (Nov. 15-19). Six horse and rider combinations made it around clear over Guillerme Noguera’s course, the final west coast World Cup Qualifying event for 2006. Guillermo Obligado threw down the gauntlet when he and Carlson posted the first clear round of the night and they were only second combination in the 26 horse and rider order of go. Obligado’s dark brown gelding made the course look easy. “He really matured at the World Equestrian Games and at the finals of the Super League,” said Obligado.
Five other riders joined him in the jump off and they raced for the top prize in front of a enthusiastic, cheering crowd. Obligado had to settle for third when Rich Fellers posted the fastest time of the nigh aboard McGuiness. He picked up a gallop, got in his two point, and never changed his pace throughout the jump off track. “I just let him run,” said Fellers with a smile. “If he doesn’t jump great it is my fault.”
Joie Gatlin finished in a close second with Sun Cal’s King. “We got good ribbons in Europe this summer,” explained Gatlin. “He learned to be fast in Europe. Tonight he was really into it. He likes this venue and the crowd.”
The Los Angeles National is also host to a number of medal finals, equitation championships, and the $5,000 Pre-Green Hunter Championship. Fifty-nine horses vied for one of the twenty slots for the championship. Sin City was the top qualifier after winning four of the five classes in the Pre-Green section and finishing second in the fifth with Patrick Spanton riding for Kelly Straeter. The pair handily won the championship with Smile (El Rancho Adobe) and Leslie Steele in reserve. John Bragg rounded out the top three with Game Legs (Emily Catchot).
The Onondarka Finals for 12 and under riders attracted 50 riders from throughout California. However, the top riders showed style and technique that belied their young ages. Judges Frank Madden and Timmy Kees were impressed. “When I came to California I was happy,” said Madden. “I am going home mad,” he said in reference to the young talent he saw. “These kids are the best,” added Kees. “This is as good a program for young kids as there is anywhere.”
Kayla Richards claimed the championship after an impressive work off round. The judges asked for two different counter canters and both times Richards landed on the lead and smoothly held the counter canter through both turns. “I was third going into the work off,” said Richards. “I knew that if I wanted to win I had to take chances.” Her eighteen year old gelding, Van Gogh, did not let her down. After leading throughout the three round competition, Ali Ohringer had to settle for second. Her six year old, Orlando, handled the difficult courses and the challenging work off test like a veteran, but Ohringer knew that asking him to land on the counter canter would be asking too much. It is clear that the pair have a promising future and their reserve champion finish is the Onondarka Finals is a great honor.
Katie Taylor continued her winning ways by capturing the WCE Finals by less than half a point over Michelle Morris. Taylor also won the Equitation Championship for riders 18 and over. Olivia Esse won the 14 and under Equitation Championship, while Alex Maida captured the 15-17 age group. These championship tests riders over two rounds, and then the top eight qualify for a third round. The top four then work off. These are important championships that West Coast riders work toward each year.
The West Coast HBO Finals for Childrens’, Adult and Junior riders also attracted top riders. Adrienne Dixon capped a successful junior career by winning the 3′6″ HBO Junior Finals. Amy Brubaker won the 3′0″ HBO Adult and Holly Dickinson won the HBO Childrens’ Final.
The Los Angeles National concluded with record entries and attracted top horses and riders from throughout the west.
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