Westport, CT—New Zealand native Sharn Wordley led the victory gallop for the second consecutive week, this time in the $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix. Like last week’s win in the $25,000 Ox Ridge Grand Prix, Wordley was riding the Selle Francais gelding Epsom Pierrerille. This wasn’t the only similarity to last week’s class. Finishing in second place once again was Libby McKinney and close behind in third was Wordley on Mr. Flanagan. Henrik Gundersen rounded out the top four with Horses Unlimited’s Lullaby.
Wordley qualified two horses for the jump-off over Tim Holt’s course. “My strategy was essentially the same as last week,” Wordley commented. With Mr. Flanagan he opted to be as fast as he could and still be clear. However with Epsom Pierrerille, who’s known as “Rocket,” Wordley planned to “put the pedal to the metal and go for it.” Like last week, the plan worked. This was Wordley’s 36th Grand Prix victory in the three and a half years he’s been in the United States.
“It was a good course and well planned for the field,” Wordley said. “The course suited all three of my horses, so it was a good week.” Wordley also finished twelfth with Rockville. Wordley will now head back to Europe to compete at CSI***Wisbecq, Belgium, before returning to the U.S. to show in Vermont.
About Sharn Wordley:
Wordley, a native of New Zealand, has represented his country in numerous Nation’s Cups and has competed in 22 countries. In June 2007, he helped qualify New Zealand for the 2008 Olympics at CSI Balve. He previously qualified for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and was the young rider champion in New Zealand earlier in his career. In addition to his victories as a rider, Wordley has coached riders who have gone on to represent their countries in the Olympics, World Cup Finals, World Championships and the Pan American Games.
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