Frank Hendricks (NED) won the Grand Prix by a few tenths of a second with Dio at the National Bromont, at the Olympic Equestrian Park.

A course designed by Michael Pegg

The course designer from Uxbridge, Ontario had prepared a first round course with 12 obstacles for 14 efforts, including two double combinations, for the participating pairs. The course’s difficulties of time, height, and turns, was well balanced, and was a good start for riders who shared the Grand Prix’s $10,000 purse.

5 horse-rider pairs successfully completed the first round and qualified for the jump-off: veterans Paul Harpern on Diesel, Isabelle Lapierre on En Nou, Laurie Bucci GGN Stauffenberg, Frank Hendricks on Dio as well as young rider Ashley James and her mount, D’Artagnan Z.

First in the jump-off, Paul Harpern and Diesel, owned by Groupe Zacar, execute the course’s 8 obstacles for 9 efforts in a fast time of 44.16 seconds, putting the pressure on their competitors, who try to unsuccessfully to beat him. We have to wait for the next-to-last pair, Frank Hendricks and Dali, the only ones who post a better time at 43.75 seconds. Young rider Ashley James, last on the course with D’Artagnan execute a second clear round, however, their time puts them in 5th place.

The season continues

The next event organized by the Association équestre Centaure will be the Knowlton Pony Club Show, a qualifying event for the Eastern Townships team, preparing for Caballista, Quebec’s Equestrian Games.

About National Bromont

The National Bromont is the first event of the Hunter and Jumper Quebec season. It is also the start of the Quebec Provincial Equestrian Tour (QPET), which aims to recognize the best high-level riders in Quebec. For more information on the program, please visit our website at: www.internationalbromont.org/national