Wilhelm Genn ~No Worries Just Happy
Conyers, GA – Owner-rider Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio claimed his 6th big victory of the season with Happy Z in the $25,000 Spring Atlanta Grand Prix presented by Bohicketchandlery.com.
At the finale of this two-week series Mother Nature provided a farewell of sunshine and warm temps for the starting field of 36 in this afternoon’s highlighted event while course designer Michel Vaillancourt gave them a “great stroll in the sunshine”. Their track of 13 obstacles requiring 16 efforts was anything but a walk in the park, it included a few combinations, a wide triple bar, an oxer with a liverpool, high verticals, and lots of turns. Ideally to be completed clear in a mere 78 seconds. When asked about his strategy Vaillancourt said, “It’s always sorta similar: try to catch rails in different places, create different challenges for different horses,” he continued, “I think we accomplished that for this field. It was just about right and we got the few extra clean that we like to have. Thirty percent of the field went clear creating a good jump off and interestingly the jump off is separating them by having them use the momentum of going against the clock.” In all 11 horse-rider partners made it to the second round. “How you win is always the key.” Vaillancourt reflected as he watched the jump off, “Sometimes by going against the clock or sometimes you can win it in the first round. I think it’s more fun going against the clock.” he finished with a smile.
A serpentine of 7 obstacles in less than 45 seconds proved beating the clock would be the factor in winning today.
Referring to his first clear first round performance in 76.564 seconds Wilhelm Genn admitted, “the number 2 and 3 fence was my rough spot. While not a really difficult line, it turned out to be harder than I thought. My small one, (Happy Z the 8-year old Dutch Warmblood mare owned and piloted by Genn) jumped really high but landed slow with her nose really low and then turned hard to the left so I lost my 4 strides. I had to take back and add to do 5 strides into the next one. That turned out to be quite a bit of work!” Coming into the second round Wilhelm had 3 mounts, all of which are in their first year of showing at Grand Prix level but proving they are quite capable with a combined 6 victories and numerous placings since January. Happy Z had no trouble with the tighter turns or keeping momentum, going clear in a very fast 34.320 seconds to cinch the win for Genn. “Just a lot of fun” a beaming Wilhelm spoke of their jump off ride, “We had a great time!”
When asked what his thoughts were of today’s competition Genn’s first response was “Awesome!” At the mention of being in the ring with multi time Olympian Joe “The Living Legend” Fargis, Genn’s face lit up. “For me to beat Joe on Edgar, that was quite special.” The German born rider added, “He’s definitely my American Idol.” Next stop for the Genn tour is St. Louis where he’s begins the quest to qualify for the big year-end rider bonus and perhaps a shot at the record for Grand Prix victories in a single year. He also hopes to return to Conyers in June to compete in the $25,000 Horses Helping Horses Charity Grand Prix.
Second place honors went to Ideal with Manuel Torres riding for owner Caroline Collomb with a time of 35.363 seconds. Jonathon Millar partnered with Noble 1 for owners Bridge Brook and Kelly Soleau finished third in a time of 35.710 while sister Amy Millar claimed the fourth position on board Sweet Dreams for owner Jebbs Creek Investments in a time of 36.251 seconds. And to round out the top five was Le Argento with Wilhelm Genn riding for owners Cary and Harry Van Wormer in a time of 37.150.
Classic Company Chairman Bob Bell presenting the awards this afternoon said of this year’s Spring Classics, “The best spring series on record. Great weather, wonderful people participating and some of the most talented horses in the country. We couldn’t have asked for more. I can’t wait for the summer series now! We’ve got new classes with more prize money and a ton of fun planned. Plus the return of the Horses Helping Horses events here in June! The response last year was amazing so we’ve added more events to benefit the rescue horses this year!” Bell concluded, “It’s just going to be a FUN summer!”
For more information or results on the Spring Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the Classic Company at 843-768-5503.
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