October 13, 2022 – The $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3* win in Mill Spring, North Carolina, was claimed by Kimberley Bird (NZL) and her own Cera Cassina with a quick time of 38.60 seconds.
Of the 59 entries to tackle Peter Grant’s (CAN) course, 17 were able to advance to the jump-off, with three riders electing to withdraw. Bird and her 2009 Holsteiner mare Cera Cassina (Cassini II x Caletto I) were able to keep their lead in the jump-off despite going early in the order.
In second place was Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) riding The Berry Group LLC’s 2012 Oldenburg gelding Cornet’s Cambridge (Balou du Reventon x Cambridge 8) with a time of 39.18 seconds.
Finishing the podium was Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Kent Farrington LLC’s 2014 Oldenburg mare Greya (Colestus x Contender) with a time of 39.51.
“She felt amazing in the first round. She’s jumping out of her skin [today]. I knew I could be a wee bit cheeky in the jump off and she wasn’t going to touch anything. I just tried to keep the time tight and keep moving. She is naturally fast. She’s a very quick moving horse and I rely on that a lot. I just try to look for the next fence as quickly as possible.”“I’ve had [Cera Cassina] since she was five years old,” Bird explained, “I got her as a pretty frisky five year old that was not very easy to ride. She’s now thirteen and we’ve jumped World Cup classes in New Zealand before COVID came along and then had the opportunity to bring her over here.”
Bird is a newcomer to TIEC, having come here for the first time this year: “I love [TIEC]. I love the vibe and everything. I just love jumping here and the footing suits her. It’s just a great place.”
Source: Press Release by Lily Yampolsky for TIEC
Photo: © TIEC / Sarah Sturgis
