Canada’s Mario Deslauriers Adds International Flavor to the Hampton Classic Horse Show With Win in the $50,000 Grey Goose Vodka FEI World Cup /Grand Prix Qualifier
Bridgehampton, NY-August 31, 2007- Canadian Olympic veteran Mario Deslauriers of Bromont, Quebec, triumphed in the $50,000 Grey Goose Vodka FEI World Cup/Grand Prix Qualifier at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on Friday with a double clear performance riding Paradigm. The Canadian pair beat out three other horses in an exciting jump-off to win in a time of 39.25.
Brianne Goutal of New York, NY, tried hard to unseat her northern neighbor on two horses owned by Cloverleaf Farm, but could not get the job done. Goutal was second with a double clear on Onira in a jump-off time of 39.78 and fourth on Ralvesther with four faults. Beezie Madden, double Silver Medalist at the 2006 World Equestrian Games and part of the Gold Medal team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, was third with a double clear on Select, owned by Elizabeth Busch Burke and John Madden Sales, in a jump-off time of 44.20 seconds.
The 32nd Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, September 2. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to the Olympic veterans in the $150,000 FTI Grand Prix. The Grey Goose Vodka Qualifier determined which 30 horses will ride in Sunday’s culminating Grand Prix and was also the first qualifier determining which U.S. show jumpers will ride in the 2008 FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Only four horses and three riders made it to the jump-off out of the 52 who competed on the Conrad Homfeld designed course. Madden was the first to go of the four and went clean to set the pace. Goutal went next on her more experienced horse, Onira, and really went for it.
“I wanted to go as fast as I could on Onira, I have been riding him since he was seven and now he is eleven, so we climbed the ranks together,” said Goutal of her Dutch Warmblood gelding. “He was amazing and tried so hard.”
Goutal became the new leader, with Deslauriers next to go. “My horse is really quick and I had nothing to lose so I was really going to try and win,” said Deslauriers. “Beezie and Brianne looked quick but my horse is quick too. He is a good soldier with a lot of experience and that is what it took to win today.”
Goutal came back on Ralvesther, but knew she had her work cut out for her because this was the highest her 9 year-old mare had ever jumped. “I was a little worried because the course was huge for her. I was shocked to have two in the jump-off. They were both amazing. It was a daunting course, when I walked it I thought I was going to die. I am really happy with the way things went. Mario is just too fast for me. He is an incredible rider and it was an honor to lose to him.”
Deslauriers, the 1984 World Cup champion, was thrilled to win. “It worked out for me today. The Hampton Classic is a great show with such great atmosphere. It’s always great to do well here.”
Sunday is highlighted by the $25,000 Calvin Klein Show Jumping Derby, a member of event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, and the $10,000 Hermès Hunter Classic in the morning prior to the $150,000 FTI Grand Prix.
Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, is broadcasting up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.
The Classic also receives extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, a long time sponsor and the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Saturday-Sunday, September 1-2.
Live webcasts from the Hampton Classic Grand Prix ring and Hunter Ring I are available free of charge at www.equetriansport.tv
For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.
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