British riders enjoyed a successful trip to the recent Le Mans CDI in France (19 – 22 October 2017) particularly Maria Eilberg who scored a sensational hat-trick of wins.
Maria contested the Middle Tour, which is intended as a transitionary step to Grand Prix, with the grey Royal Concert (Royal Diamond x Continue). ‘Rico’ who is owned by Penny Pollard, Hermione Black and Maria is really coming into his own at the level which was clear to see in France with his 71.34% Inter B victory and 69.60% to take the Inter II, relegating Luxembourg’s Kristine Moller and Hamilton to second in both. The sensitive Rico has not always been easy, but as his training has progressed so has his confidence, and he's now showing us what he’s made of.
Aboard Farah Al Khojai’s Sarotti 57 (Sir Donnerhall x Cagliostro XX) Maria also made her mark at Small Tour amongst strong company. Maria and ten-year-old Sarotti (pictured last year) have had an exciting 2017 and continued this form at Le Mans. In both the Prix St Georges and Inter I they chalked up plus-71% scores for third behind German star Matthias Rath who took both, before ending their campaign with a winning 74.15% Inter I Freestyle to raise the flag for Great Britain.
In Thursday’s Grand Prix, British riders showed good form in what was a hotly contested 38-strong class. Henriette Andersen and Flavio (Florencio x Glueckspilz) were the highest-placed British combination in fifth with 69.48%, whilst Sarah Millis and Katja Kuistila’s Hofjuwel (Hofrat x Davignon I) and Vicky Thompson-Winfield and PRE stallion Mango Jacaro impressed to achieve seventh and eighth with 68.66% and 68.34% respectively. “Delighted with Hofjuwel in the Grand Prix at the Le Mans CDI3*. Seventh place in a massive class with some strong combinations,” said Sarah on her Facebook page.
On to Saturday, Louise Bell and the former working hunter star Into the Blue were best of the Brits in the Grand Prix Special scoring 67.07% and Vicky Thompson-Winfield and Mango Jacaro danced their way to fourth in the Freestyle (72.17%).
The 2017 TopSpec Medium Champions Annabella Pidgley and Farbenfroh have formed a formidable partnership in their short time together. Annabella the former Danish team pony achieved close second behind the Netherlands’ Michelle Kramer and Campsterhoven’s Baldato in the Team test, before posting a super 71.54% for third in the Individual and 72.50% for Freestyle second. This talented combination was unbeatable at Hickstead CDI earlier this year and are certainly ones to watch for the future.
Ryan Todd and Charlex Eskebjerg (Carano x Midt-West Ibi-Light) travelled to France as Britain’s sole representatives in the U25s Grand Prix. They achieved a creditable 66.10% in the U25 Inter II and super 67.20% for third in the U25 Grand Prix.
“Had a great time at Le Mans CDI with Charlie (Charlex Eskebjerg),” said Ryan on his Facebook page. “Day 1. Inter 2, Canter work was really solid. Unfortunately on our first trot extension he did the biggest stumble! So unfortunately was costly, we lost the flow in the trot. Day 2. U25 GP, Much more consistent and secure in the work, we managed third place. I'm grateful to be lucky enough to compete international U25 Grand Prix with Charlie who has taken me to places I would only dream to compete at.”
CDI3* - Big Tour
Grand Prix
1st Anders Dahl and Selten HW, 72.78% (DEN)
5th Henriette Andersen and Flavio, 69.48% (GBR)
7th Sarah Millis and Hofjuwel, 68.66% (GBR)
8th Vicky Thompson-Winfield and Mango Jacaro, 68.34% (GBR)
20th Louise Bell and Into the Blue, 66.32% (GBR)
34th Kirsty Mepham and Minain, 61.12% (GBR)
Grand Prix Special
1ST Catherine Haddad Staller and Semper Fidelis, 71.90% (USA)
9th Louise Bell and Into the Blue, 67.07% (GBR)
11th Henriette Andersen and Flavio, 66.98% (GBR)
13th Sarah Millis and Hofjuwel, 65.80% (GBR)
Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Anders Dahl and Selten HW, 76.87% (DEN)
4th Vicky Thompson-Winfield and Mango Jacaro, 72.17% (GBR)
Grand Prix Consolation
1st Joanne Vaughan and Elmegardens Marquis, 66.03% (GEO)
4th Kirsty Mepham and Minain, 63.83% (GBR)
CDI2* - Middle Tour
Intermediate B
1st Maria Eilberg and Royal Concert, 71.34% (GBR)
Intermediate II
1st Maria Eilberg and Royal Concert, 69.60% (GBR)
CDI2* - Small Tour
Prix St Georges
1st Matthias Rath and Foundation 2, 73.76% (GER)
3rd Maria Eilberg and Sarotti 57, 71.34% (GBR)
Intermediate I
1st Matthias Rath and Foundation 2, 74.05% (GER)
3rd Maria Eilberg and Sarotti 57, 71.02% (GBR)
Intermediate I Freestyle
1st Maria Eilberg and Sarotti 57, 74.15% (GBR)
CDIU25
Under-25 Intermediate II
1st Jill Huybregts and Zamacho Z, 69.21% (NED)
6th Ryan Todd and Charlex Eskebjerg, 66.10% (GBR)
Under-25 Grand Prix
1st Jill Huybregts and Zamacho Z, 69.60% (NED)
3rd Ryan Todd and Charlex Eskebjerg, 67.20% (GBR)
CDIY
Young Rider Team Test
1st Bo Oudhof and Colt Sollenburg, 71.28% (NED)
=5th Rachael Hawkins and Don Antello, 64.78% (GBR)
=5th Charlotte Buyssens and Ronin 8, 64.78% (SUI)
7th Robyn Smith and Foold Uz, 64.65% (GBR)
9th Amber Barton and Labiat, 63.94% (GBR)
Young Rider Individual Test
1st Hannelore Beckers and Crack C Van Het Vijverbos, 67.84% (BEL)
4th Robyn Smith and Foold Uz, 66.92% (GBR)
5th Amber Barton and Labiat, 66.86% (GBR)
Young Rider Freestyle
1st Bo Oudhof and Colt Sollenburg, 73.67% (NED)
3rd Amber Barton and Labiat, 70.12% (GBR)
5th Robyn Smith and Foold Uz, 69.25% (GBR)
CDIP
Pony Team Test
1st Michelle Kramer and Campsterhoven’s Baldato, 69.61% (NED)
2nd Annabella Pidgley and Farbenfroh, 69.10% (GBR)
5th Jessie Kirby and Grayswood Orlando, 67.09% (GBR)
Pony Individual Test
1st Michelle Kramer and Campsterhoven’s Baldato, 72.35% (NED)
3rd Annabella Pidgley and Farbenfroh, 71.54% (GBR)
9th Jessie Kirby and Grayswood Orlando, 68.04% (GBR)
Pony Freestyle
1st Danique Swinkels and Casimir De Luxe, 73.45% (NED)
2nd Annabella Pidgley and Farbenfroh, 72.50% (GBR)
15th Jessie Kirby and Grayswood Orlando, 64.25% (GBR)
For full results click here.