Green Cove Springs, FL –The opening week of the 2007 Jacksonville Winter Series is playing host to an FEI World Cup Qualifier with 36 of the best show jumpers vying for points toward a spot at the finals held in Las Vegas. Olympic veteran Laura Kraut and crowd favorite Anthem did not disappoint with a medal worthy performance that captured both the win and cheers of their numerous fans. This evening’s $25,000 Welcome Jumper Classic sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club was a preview of things to come at Saturday’s premiere event.
This is the 2nd year that North Florida has hosted a qualifier and 29th season for the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) World Cup Jumping series, which began in 1978 and is now comprised of 14 leagues with 132 preliminary competitions on all continents. Approximately 40 of the world’s best riders will qualify for the title deciding finals held in Las Vegas April 19-22 of this year. The FEI was founded in 1921 and is the international body governing the equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that now includes 133 National Federations. The World Cup Series Champion is considered a coveted title to hold by both Olympic competitors and those aspiring to represent their countries in the Olympics.
Dave Ballard of Ontario, Canada returned as course designer for the FEI events. His resume includes being one of the few O Class designers in the world; he assisted Linda Allen at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA, was the designer for the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Canada, and assistant designer for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. The course for tonight was a one round speed layout of 13 obstacles at regulation 1.45M (maximum height 4’9”) with a time allowance of 88 seconds. “I created a course that’s bigger than the normal speed class taking into consideration it’s early in the season and expecting many of the horses to be fresh after the December time most had off.” Dave explained, “Speed will be an important factor tonight. The tracks are a little long and not as technical.” His predictions for trouble spots were the #7 oxer, “it’s a delicate jump with 8’ bars instead of the usual 12’ so there’s less weight there…easier to knock.” And the #10 oxer, “this one’s very airy as well as the highest on course.” 21 of the horses would probably disagree with Ballard as it was the 11A vertical of his double combo that took them out of the winners circle.
Anthem, the 16 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by the Summit Syndicate has been Laura’s partner for nearly 8 years. He has been on a bit of vacation since last showing in Toronto, Kraut stated, “I had him all geared up to go to the AGA Tournament this December but due to the unfortunate situation in Wellington that was cancelled so we’ve been waiting to get here.” Asked about changes in Anthem since their beginning Laura laughed, “So much!!” then warmly said, “We know each other so well now. I have so much faith in him.” The pair were the last in the order of go this evening but worth the wait with a victorious clear round time of 77.650 seconds, a mere .14 of a second quicker than second place finisher Pablo Barrios piloting Sun God for owners Ron Krise and Split Creek Farm of Wellington, FL whose final time was 77.790. “It was a nice first class in here (referring to the covered arena). I think the lights; the ground can be difficult coming in at first. This is my 3rd year here, I walk the course thinking oh it’s kinda soft and then it always rides a bit more difficult than you anticipated.” Laura began, and then giggled in regards to the dreaded 11A fence that had taken so many of her competitors out, “I was fortunate that he didn’t have a concern because I was way too long to it! I had A LOT of concerns approaching it!” She stated that was just another great example of the confidence she has in him, knowing next to nothing seems to faze her partner. The pair will return for Saturday evening’s $75,000 CSI-W Grand Prix in the hopes of garnering more World Cup points. As for making the trip to Las Vegas for the finals Laura said that’s still up in the air as she had missed the first few qualifiers while competing in Europe this year and was most likely “a ways down the list”. While she admits it would be great to get the invite, there won’t be any disappointment if it doesn’t happen; “I had a great tour in Europe so it’s a good trade off, even if I miss Vegas this year.” Her plans for the upcoming season also include applying for the Pan Am Games, working towards the goal of another Olympics and as she put it, “I want to do anything and everything! George (Morris) is always teasing me and says I can’t stand to miss a horse show…any show. It’s true I love showing.” As for her favorite tune, Anthem is still going strong and will continue competing “as long as HE wants to and knock wood he’s in great condition!” Laura concluded. Following the Winter Equestrian Festival she will again tour Europe and Canada throughout the Spring and Summer seasons returning to the US in time for the big Indoor series.
Rounding out the top five positions for tonight’s $25,000 Welcome Classic were in third place Ostara ridden by Aimee Aron for owner Kinloch Enterprises with a clear round time of 78.060. Fourth place went to Candace King with Courage for owner Esperanza, Inc in a clean 79.442 seconds. The fifth position went to Kirk Webby on board Sitah for owner Tolleshunt with a clear time of 79.520. Presenting awards this evening were the president of the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association, Tony Weight along with Bob Bell, president of Classic Company, said of the evening “We’re very pleased with the caliber of horses the show attracts. The riders are some of the best in the world…in and out of the saddle. Saturday night is going to be thrilling to watch.”
The Jacksonville Winter Series continues through February 11th with classes Wednesday through Sunday
beginning at 8AM until about 5PM except for special events on Saturday evenings such as this weekend’s big $75,000 Green Cove Springs CSI-W Grand Prix. Admission to the shows are free, a $5 donation is requested for special events, which in turn is given to various local charities.
For more information or results on the 2007 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 904-284-9492.
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