Canada's Jessica Phoenix Takes the Lead Following First Day of Dressage at Great Meadow

Canada's Jessica Phoenix Takes the Lead Following First Day of Dressage at Great Meadow
Long anticipated competition began for The Great Meadow International (GMI), presented by Adequan® on Friday evening with the first rotation of dressage. Featuring the only North American leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing competition outside Europe, teams from Canada, Great Britain and the United States all had one representative perform their test along with individual entries.
Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Pavarotti scored 44 penalties, the best of the day, placing the pair first individually and putting the Canadian team in the lead.


"I was really excited for "Rotti". This was his first full event since Kentucky and he was so composed in there," said Phoenix. "It's always a pleasure to ride this amazing horse."


As the lead rider for the British team, Justine Dutton (GBR) and her mount Jak My Style felt a little added pressure. The pair earned a score of 56.4 penalties for second place in the team standings.


"I think I might have had a glass of champagne when I agreed to that," said Dutton. "All kidding aside, when (Chef d'equipe Philip Surl) asked me if I was comfortable going first I told him that I would be happy to do whatever is necessary for the team. So, I will continue to try my best and hopefully that will be good enough."