There would be nine impressive combinations to come in the jump off, which would mean that this Grand Prix title would certainly not be easily acquired. Nine combinations meant that this would be one of the larger jump off's we've seen this season.
First in the ring were Jane Richard Philips and Pablo de Virton and they earned a clear with a time of 44.86 seconds. Strong but not overly fast, it would be unlikely that this would be good enough for first place. Hopes of a French win were slightly crushed as Roger Yves Bost and Qoud'Coeur de la Loge had an unfortunate rail.
But it was World number one ranked rider Christian Ahlmann and Codex One who would take over the lead for Germany with a time of 43.08 seconds. After such a strong and aggressive round, this would certainly be the time to beat.
Despite their best efforts, Nick Skelton and Big Star would earned an early rail on course, proving, if only for a moment, that they too are mortal.
France's Jerome Hurel would have a nasty fall coming out of the Longines double combination and would have to walk both man and beast, each out on their own steam after a rather scary tumble. Luckily, it seemed that both horse and rider were alright.
Scott Brash, after finishing second in Estoril, would have serious drive to land the lead in this Grand Prix but alas a time of 43.79 seconds would mean second place for the moment for the Scotsman. Ludger Beerbaum and Zinedine, having displayed time and time again that they could be another great combination for Germany, tried their very best to catch their fellow German, but alas 44.05 seconds would not be good enough for first or second unfortunately.
Then it was Beezie Madden, aboard her jet-black gelding Cortes C, who entered the ring. Beezie is no stranger to success and the leading lady rider, currently ranked the leading lady rider in the world, would have every intention of landing a US victory on French soil.
Tackling the course with her usual subtle and precise style, Beezie ate away the seconds that seemed to hold back so many combinations and crossed the finish line with an incredible, truly outstanding time, of 41.58 seconds. Leaving Christian Ahlmann and Codex One in the dust, Beezie and Cortes C made a very fast round look like a rather walk in the park.
Doda Miranda was last to go and the only rider that stood between Beezie and a US victory on the Longines Global Champions Tour. Having an early rail with Bogeno meant that the many US riders, friends and family could congratulate and celebrate for the red, white and blue would be put on display tonight. Coming off of a terrific Summer series at Spruce Meadows and an amazing win in Gothenburg in the spring, Beezie certainly looks as though she will make 2013 one to remember.
© GCT - photo: equpics.be
There would be nine impressive combinations to come in the jump off, which would mean that this Grand Prix title would certainly not be easily acquired. Nine combinations meant that this would be one of the larger jump off's we've seen this season.
First in the ring were Jane Richard Philips and Pablo de Virton and they earned a clear with a time of 44.86 seconds. Strong but not overly fast, it would be unlikely that this would be good enough for first place. Hopes of a French win were slightly crushed as Roger Yves Bost and Qoud'Coeur de la Loge had an unfortunate rail.
But it was World number one ranked rider Christian Ahlmann and Codex One who would take over the lead for Germany with a time of 43.08 seconds. After such a strong and aggressive round, this would certainly be the time to beat.
Despite their best efforts, Nick Skelton and Big Star would earned an early rail on course, proving, if only for a moment, that they too are mortal.
France's Jerome Hurel would have a nasty fall coming out of the Longines double combination and would have to walk both man and beast, each out on their own steam after a rather scary tumble. Luckily, it seemed that both horse and rider were alright.
Scott Brash, after finishing second in Estoril, would have serious drive to land the lead in this Grand Prix but alas a time of 43.79 seconds would mean second place for the moment for the Scotsman. Ludger Beerbaum and Zinedine, having displayed time and time again that they could be another great combination for Germany, tried their very best to catch their fellow German, but alas 44.05 seconds would not be good enough for first or second unfortunately.
Then it was Beezie Madden, aboard her jet-black gelding Cortes C, who entered the ring. Beezie is no stranger to success and the leading lady rider, currently ranked the leading lady rider in the world, would have every intention of landing a US victory on French soil.
Tackling the course with her usual subtle and precise style, Beezie ate away the seconds that seemed to hold back so many combinations and crossed the finish line with an incredible, truly outstanding time, of 41.58 seconds. Leaving Christian Ahlmann and Codex One in the dust, Beezie and Cortes C made a very fast round look like a rather walk in the park.
Doda Miranda was last to go and the only rider that stood between Beezie and a US victory on the Longines Global Champions Tour. Having an early rail with Bogeno meant that the many US riders, friends and family could congratulate and celebrate for the red, white and blue would be put on display tonight. Coming off of a terrific Summer series at Spruce Meadows and an amazing win in Gothenburg in the spring, Beezie certainly looks as though she will make 2013 one to remember.
© GCT - photo: equpics.be