Grace Debney and Boheme de la Roque race to the win in 1m45 two-phase CSI3* at Silver Oak Jumper Tournament

Anderson De Moura Lima (MEX) set forth an 8-obstacle first-phase track, testing athletes’ power through the technical course. Those who navigated a clear effort would advance to the six-fence power phase in a race against the clock that would determine the top spots on the leaderboard. Setting the pace with the first double-clear effort was Debney aboard Faro, owned by Temple Equestrian LLC, her first of two mounts in the class. As the fifth pair in the order of go, the duo was able to learn from previous competitors’ mistakes, and they navigated their way around the first phase to a fault-free finish for their shot at the second phase, stopping the clocks in 33.390 seconds.

The lead immediately exchanged hands as Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam was the next contender to enter the ring riding Sweet Oak Farm’s Birdy Du Thot. Shaving over three seconds off of the leading time, Sweetnam and the 10-year-old Selle Francais mare crossed through the timers in a swift 30.290 seconds, leaving all of the rails in the cups. Ali Wolff (USA) and Quirie 2, owned by John Wolff, would attempt to slip into the leading position just six rounds later, falling just short with a second phase time of 31.110 seconds to move into second place. Sweetnam would continue to hold his lead until Debney returned to the arena with her second mount Boheme de la Roque 13 rounds later.

Debney piloted the 10-year-old Selle Francais mare with ease, clearing the first round track for her shot at the speed phase. Coming off of an impressive finish with her earlier mount Faro, Debney knew where she needed to make up the time in order to overtake Sweetnam. She confidently made her way around the ring with her trusted mount, narrowly nabbing the lead with a time just under one second faster than Sweetnam to finish in 29.300 seconds. Though the remaining five competitors would try, none could quite match the speed and finesse of Debney and Boheme de la Roque, ultimately lending them the victory. Sweetnam and Birdy Du Thot took home second place honors,while Wolff and Quirie 2 rounded out the top three.

Source: Press Release