The International Bromont ended this Sunday July 28th with Irishman Andrew Bourns’ stunning victory in the Quebec Original World Cup qualifying event, at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

The course, designed by world renowned Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), comprised thirteen obstacles for sixteen efforts, with a time allowed of 85 seconds. Only three of the twenty-eight participating pairs made it to the jump-off, as there were many technical difficulties.

A first play-off round

The spa (a large obstacle) just before the triple combination proved to be almost insurmountable, forcing riders to play on the scope of the strides. Many had to forget about making it to the jump-off on that fence. The last double combination, with only one stride between both fences, did not leave many survivors. Derek Braun (USA) / Lacarolus, Liubov Kochetova (RUS) / Aslan and Andrew Bourns (IRL) / Gatsby were the only ones to qualify for the jump-off.

A battle of three

American Derek Braun is the first in the ring for the second round, where, with Lacarolus, he executes a clear round in 42.77 seconds. Liubov Kochetova (RUS) on Aslan gets a better time than the first pair, but a fallen bar takes away their chance at first place. Andrew Bourns (IRL), last competitor in the ring, goes for broke on his mount Gatsby, a calculated risk since his quick and precise turns allow him to best Braun’s time by over two seconds, giving him first place.

A sixth place for Angela Covert

Quebec’s Angela Covert Lawrence, who finished in second place in last Sunday’s Grand Prix, climbed to a 6th place ahead of Andrew Bourns and his second horse, New Boy de Logerie.

Montrealer David Arcand, took 9th place with Vledder, just behind Mac Cone and Armor van de Rostal.

Quebec Orignial World Cup

1. Andrew Bourns (IRL) / Gatsby 0-0, 40.20
2. Derek Braun (USA) / Lacarolus 0-0,42.77
3. Liubov Kochetova (RUS) / Aslan 0-4,42.68
4. Roberto Teran (COL) / Woklahoma 1,86.91
5. Elizabeth Gingras (CAN) / Avensis 4 4,81.86
6. Angela Covert (CAN) / Utan 4, 82.14
7. Andrew Bourns (IRL) / New Boy de Logerie 4, 82.52
8. Mac Cone (CAN) / Amor van de Rostal 4, 83.03
9. David Arcand (CAN) / Vledder 4, 83.09
10. Liubov Kochetova (RUS) / Wilford 2 5, 85.96