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Amber Levine puts the brakes on the Alliston train!

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Amber Levine and Oz Proof of Purchase had a fence in hand, used it up early and rattled plenty of others, but still kept their cool to take the Galway Downs Charles Owen CCI**. James Alliston jumped a superb clear on Tivoli to move up into second, and for a few minutes there was absolute silence in the tent and suspended disbelief that he might actually win this one too! Max McManamy rode her lovely coloured Project Runway into 3rd, while Hawley Bennet slipped from 2nd to 9th on the gorgeous Splendorofthesun, we’ll see plenty more of this combination in the future. Of note too, Rock on Rose jumped a beautiful clear in horrid conditions, very impressive riding by Whitney Weston. The rain stopped, the sun made a brief appearance and we’re all almost as caught up in the supsense of what the weather will do for the next and final division as we are about the competition! More pictures to come later, and LIly is videoing (something, hopefully the stadium!) so we’ll see what that brings later! Keeping our fingers crossed that the rain stays away for another hour or so, and I’ll be back with a CCI*** update shortly.

[Galway SJ Scores]

Thanks for reading as always, and go all-weather eventing!

Amber Levine puts the brakes on the Alliston train!

IMG_2196.jpg


Amber Levine and Oz Proof of Purchase had a fence in hand, used it up early and rattled plenty of others, but still kept their cool to take the Galway Downs Charles Owen CCI**. James Alliston jumped a superb clear on Tivoli to move up into second, and for a few minutes there was absolute silence in the tent and suspended disbelief that he might actually win this one too! Max McManamy rode her lovely coloured Project Runway into 3rd, while Hawley Bennet slipped from 2nd to 9th on the gorgeous Splendorofthesun, we’ll see plenty more of this combination in the future. Of note too, Rock on Rose jumped a beautiful clear in horrid conditions, very impressive riding by Whitney Weston. The rain stopped, the sun made a brief appearance and we’re all almost as caught up in the supsense of what the weather will do for the next and final division as we are about the competition! More pictures to come later, and LIly is videoing (something, hopefully the stadium!) so we’ll see what that brings later! Keeping our fingers crossed that the rain stays away for another hour or so, and I’ll be back with a CCI*** update shortly. Thanks for reading as always, and go all-weather eventing!

James Alliston gets off to a good start winning the CCI*

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James Alliston and Mojo
James Alliston piloted a hard-pulling Mojo through the rain to have just one fence down, on a day when the rails fell like skittles, and it proved good enough for the win. The rain made conditions slippery, not just footing, but hands, reins and tack.  A full report later, but also Barbara Crabo had one down to win the Long Format on her nice Swedish warmblood mare Over Easy, she actually had four rails in hand just to demonstrate how much trouble today caused.

[Galway SJ Scores]

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Barbara Crabo and Over Easy: CCI* LF winners
Lots more to come later from a soggy Galway Downs – Go Eventing!

James Alliston gets off to a good start, winning the CCI*

IMG_2122.jpg

James Alliston and Mojo
James Alliston piloted a hard-pulling Mojo through the rain to have just one fence down, on a day when the rails fell like skittles, and it proved good enough for the win. The rain made conditions slippery, not just footing, but hands, reins and tack.  A full report later, but also Barbara Crabo had one down to win the Long Format on her nice swedish warmblood mare Over Easy, she actually had four rails in hand just to demonstrate how much trouble today caused.

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Barbara Crabo and Over Easy: CCI* LF winners
Lots more to come later from a soggy Galway Downs – Go Eventing!

Final Horse Inspection at Galway Downs

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Gina Miles and Sunsprite Patronus in the CCI*
(we like hats in chilly weather, even in SoCal!)

All the horses presented in the FEI divisions this morning, and there were far fewer than at the First Horse Inspection, were accepted to go forward to the show-jumping but for Maria Schatz and Joe in the CCI*, and Pam Fisher’s Sea Lion and Sandra Donnelly’s Buenos Aires in the CCI***. As the rain begins to fall once again on the stadium arena, I’ll be trying to bring you quick updates from each division during the day, and lots of photos later from the airport! In some good news, I did catch up with Tamra Smith quickly at the jog, although Heather Morris trotted up her CCI* horse Top Secret. Tamra was moving rather gingerly, and told me she’s stiff and sore, especially in her neck, but that she was thoroughly checked out by the doctor and she hopes to jump. Mar De Amor, she said, is doing much better than she is, which is wonderful to hear, and we wish them both a speedy recovery. 

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Katie Ruppel and her CCI** horse Houdin

Final Horse Inspection at Galway Downs

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Gina Miles and Sunsprite Patronus in the CCI*
(we like hats in chilly weather, even in SoCal!)

All the horses presented in the FEI divisions this morning, and there were far fewer than at the First Horse Inspection, were accepted to go forward to the show-jumping but for Maria Schatz and Joe in the CCI*, and Pam Fisher’s Sea Lion and Sandra Donnelly’s Buenos Aires in the CCI***. As the rain begins to fall once again on the stadium arena, I’ll be trying to bring you quick updates from each division during the day, and lots of photos later from the airport! In some good news, I did catch up with Tamra Smith quickly at the jog, although Heather Morris trotted up her CCI* horse Top Secret. Tamra was moving rather gingerly, and told me she’s stiff and sore, especially in her neck, but that she was thoroughly checked out by the doctor and she hopes to jump. Mar De Amor, she said, is doing much better than she is, which is wonderful to hear, and we wish them both a speedy recovery. 

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Katie Ruppel and her CCI** horse Houdin

James Alliston reflects on a busy XC day at Galway Downs

Despite a consistent record and two impressive rides at Rolex this spring, James Alliston has managed to stay somewhat under the radar – until Saturday! After four double clear cross country rounds, two in the CCI*** and snatching the overnight lead away from the East Coast pretenders, (!) everyone wanted a piece of James Saturday afternoon. I think I can safely say James charmed everyone at the press conference, and we’ll all be hoping to see lots more of him.

Our thanks and congratulations to James, and hoping things go well for him in the show-jumping. Go Gloucestershire roots, and Go Eventing! 

A snippet of the Galway Downs CCI** Cross Country Action

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Who can resist a bit of cross country action? I bring you a small selection of the CCI** at Galway Downs. Enjoy!
Max McManamy rode Project Runway into third place overnight. After tying for the lead in the dressage, she picked up just two time penalties on the cross country which moved her down two places behind Temecula native Amber Levine on Oz Poof Of Purchase, and very local rider (literally across the road) Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad on Splendorofthesun. Nonetheless Max said she couldn’t have been happier with her horse.
The show-jumping will be exciting to watch as there’s no room for error. Eventing Nation will be briigng you updates, pictures and as much as possible as quickly as possible! Thanks for reading and go eventing!
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Everyone loves to watch cross country!

Nate Chambers and his relationship with Rolling Stone

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With a solid double clear around the tough CCI*** track at Galway Downs, Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone not only moved into the runner-up position going into the show-jumping phase, but vindicated the decision to travel across the United States to compete in California. A recent syndication of his faithful friend and partner made the trip possible for Nate, but he stressed that his relationship with Roley of many years standing made all the difference on course.
Nate works in financial services in Virginia. He was hopeful about the show-jumping, crediting Karen O Connor for helping him immensely this past year. When I asked him about any plans with Roley for the future, he shrugged and told me he’s learnt with horses never to plan too far ahead, but just to enjoy every moment, but that yes, of course he has hopes and dreams. Most importantly though, he said, he’s just loving having Roley back and riding him again, because nothing beats that! Wishing the pair of them a Happy Anniversary and Christmas next month, and looking forward to seeing them out and about next year too.  Go Eventing!

James Alliston reflects on a busy XC day at Galway Downs

Despite a consistent record, and two impressive rides at Rolex this spring, James Alliston has managed to stay somewhat under the radar – until today! After four double clear cross country rounds, two in the CCI*** and snatching the overnight lead away from the East Coast pretenders, (!) everyone wanted a piece of James this afternoon. I think I can safely say James charmed everyone at the press conference, and we’ll all be hoping to see lots more of him.

Our thanks and congratulations to James, and hoping things go well for him in the show-jumping. Go Gloucestershire roots, and Go Eventing! 

Galway Downs CCI*** Cross Country Wrap Up

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Buck Davidson and Titanium flew around Ian Stark’s CCI*** cross country course with some 15 seconds to spare, but although he was the pathfinder, this was not the way things were going to go for the rest of the day. The very next rider, Merel Blom on her more experienced horse Umberto, fell at Fence 5, and from then on it seemed like the problems kept coming steadily throughout the day.
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If it was anyone’s day today then it must be James Alliston’s, he piloted four horses around the FEI divisions clear cross country within the time: Parker, above, and very strong in the CCI*** along with of course, Jumbo’s Jake who galloped into the lead, Mojo in the CCI*, and Tivoli in the CCI**.  Tivoli has been handed down from Oliver Townend, then from Gina Miles’ barn and now James seems to be getting a really nice tune out of him as he’s been extremely nervous in the past. Jumbo’s Jake, however, is much more straight-forward and belongs to James’ girlfriend, India McEvoy. India was extremely busy all day, so it wasn’t until rather late on Saturday night that I had a chance to catch up with her, so I apologise for the terrible lighting, but it was pitch black outside, so we just did the best we could! As Lily said, “You can’t tell how pretty she is”, and for that I apologise. 


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Nina Ligon and Butts Leon. Butts Leon looked a little bit flippant, taking the flag off one of the corners at 11 and 12, he was lucky at the main water at 16/17, again at the PRO water, and then I heard Nina’s luck finally ran out with a refusal at the very end of the course, 3 from home at the Charles Owen Brushes – a vertical down a slope to a skinny. 
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Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe flew round on The Good Witch with one of the best rounds I saw all day. 
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Andrea Baxter and Estrella, barely visible over the big brush corner after the Table at 24a & b.
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Olivia Loiacono and Subway looked spot-on the whole round. After an awkward landing over the Normandy Bank in the big water at 16, Olivia sat up and circled before approaching the Shamu Whale at 17 out. The jump judge originally awarded her 20 penalties for a refusal but this was later overturned by the Ground Jury. 
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First Mark gave Heather Morris a great ride round his first CCI*** despite picking up a stop at the water at 16, and he looked quite tired at the end. 
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Brittany Lunney and Cool Dancer, double clear
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Kristin Schmolze and Cavaldi, also double clear and lying 7th overnight
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Cool Dancer on his way home and still full of jump
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Ballynoe Castle RM at the penultimate
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Pam Fisher and Sea Lion were first back on course after Mar De Amor and Tamra Smith’s fall here fence 5, so it was a huge relief for everyone to see them sail over it without any mishap. The little black stallion flew around the whole course adding just 5.6 time penalties to his dressage score.
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John Michael Durr and Iona Grey
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Experienced Canadian campaigners Sandra Donnelly on Buenos Aires
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Jordan Lindstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind
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The overnight leaders, James Allison bringing Jumbo’s Jake home
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Nina Ligon having a better ride on Jazz King, they lie in 13th place overnight after the fastest clear of the day
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Ronald Zabala on his second round, the lovely Wise Equestrian Brer Fox
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Park Trader, the last horse on course in the CCI*** looked to be going superbly so it must have terribly frustrating for Buck to have a fall at the PRO water near the end and then watch him gallop riderless around the grounds. As he said, though, we look forward to bigger and better things from Park Trader in the future. 
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Harley, the Gracelands/James Allison Good Luck mascot who outdid himself today, just by staying put and being – it’s a dog’s life! 
Mike Tucker was relentless on the mic today, and flawless, bringing a little bit of Badminton to Galway Downs. The grounds crew came up trumps with the going, and despite a couple of holds on course throughout the day everything stayed to time.  @galwaydowns twitter feed were so active they actually got shut down, for which they apologise profusely and they promise to be back up and running with a vengeance on Sunday.  It was an action-packed, thrilling day of cross country, and the final day’s show-jumping promises to be just as exciting. Thank you to everyone at Galway who helped to make it possible, and for all their hard work. I look forward to perhaps sharing internet and electricity with the scoring chicks again tomorrow for the stadium tests – I found out today that Robert Kellerhouse’s mum is the mother hen, and there’s also a rooster somewhere in there but I was getting a bit lost. I will try and find out more details during the show-jumping!  Thanks as always for reading, and Go Eventing!

Let’s meet Becca Braitling

I’m learning never to ignore anything Dr Laura Werner tells me. Now based at Hagyard Equine Hospital in Lexington, she’s a California girl at heart and when she heard I was coming to Galway told me I must meet Bec Braitling. Mission accomplished, and as usual Laura was right. I loved Becca, was so glad to have met her, and thrilled to bump into her later at the press conference after she moved into second place in the training three day after cross country: EN karma + hard work, talent + a tiny bit of luck = can’t be beat! 

I’m already beginning to go through California withdrawal – everyone has been so friendly and helpful to Lily and I, life at home will seem awfully quiet from now on. Perhaps there’s a winter circuit we should cover here?! Thanks to Becca for chatting with us, and risking Vanador’s escape, and hope to keep bumping into you more often! Go Aussie Eventing in the USA!

Galway Downs CCI* Cross Country – but wait, there’s more!

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Wallenda and Katherine Sulzbach
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Stacey Winter and Stella Brava
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Amelia Priesthoff and The Perfect Crime
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Suzy Elliot and Ferngully
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Stephanie Callihan and Compelling Chris
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Jordan Lindstedt and Revitavet Capato
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Jolie Wentworth on Governess
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Lynne Partridge and El Cid
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El Cid again, this time on the way home but with plenty of petrol left in the tank
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Regal Promise and Addison Johnson
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Lisa Peecook and Blackfoot Mystery
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Kaleigh Holland and True Dynamite
The leader of the CCI* going into the show-jumping phase is Sarah Mittleider and Harry Houdini. Although I balked when she told me her local events are Aspen Farms and Rebecca Farm (10 and 12 hours away), she’s recently returned from even further afield – honing her craft in Germany.  
Sarah will be returning to Germany next spring to train with Andreas Dibowski, and will be aiming to take Harry Houdini to the 7 year old Championships at the end of the year at Le Lion D’Angers in France. Best of luck, Safe Travels, and keep EN abreast of all your news! Thanks for reading, and Go Eventing!

A snippet of the Galway Downs CCI** Cross Country Action

IMG_1225.jpg

Who can resist a bit of cross country action? I bring you a small selection of the CCI** at Galway Downs. Enjoy!
Max McManamy rode Project Runway into third place overnight. After tying for the lead in the dressage, she picked up just two time penalties on the cross country which moved her down two places behind Temecula native Amber Levine on Oz Poof Of Purchase, and very local rider (literally across the road) Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad on Splendorofthesun. Nonetheless Max said she couldn’t have been happier with her horse.
The show-jumping will be exciting to watch as there’s no room for error. Eventing Nation will be briigng you updates, pictures and as much as possible as quickly as possible! Thanks for reading and go eventing!
IMG_1184.jpg
Everyone loves to watch cross country!

Reasons for running late tonight…

I was working away at the press office earlier this evening when I received a short text from  Chelan Kozak; only three words it read, “Margaritas Barn 12”. That’s a message that can’t be ignored, as we like to say in England, “it would be rude not to!”, so hotfooted it up there as fast as possible. I am glad to tell you that I have now met the infamous EN hero, who goes by the name of Clay, travels with his own ‘margarator’, and makes a damn fine cocktail!  So fine that when I gave James Alliston’s mother, Petey a taste, she decided she’d better have one of her own, so we returned to Barn 12 together. Petey told me she’d never had a margarita before, but thinks it might now be her favourite tipple!

Many, many thanks to Chelan for the kind invitation; it was just what we needed, and lovely to meet the whole gang.  Normal service will resume shortly! Go Eventing!

Galway Downs CCI*** Cross Country Wrap up

IMG_1251.jpg

Buck Davidson and Titanium flew around Ian Stark’s CCI*** cross country course with some 15 seconds to spare, but although he was the pathfinder, this was not the way things were going to go for the rest of the day. The very next rider, Merel Blom on her more experienced horse Umberto, fell at Fence 5, and from then on it seemed like the problems kept coming steadily throughout the day.
IMG_1257.jpg
If it was anyone’s day today then it must be James Alliston’s, he piloted four horses around the FEI divisions clear cross country within the time: Parker, above, and very strong in the CCI*** along with of course, Jumbo’s Jake who galloped into the lead, Mojo in the CCI*, and Tivoli in the CCI**.  Tivoli has been handed down from Oliver Townend, then from Gina Miles’ barn and now James seems to be getting a really nice tune out of him as he’s been extremely nervous in the past. Jumbo’s Jake, however, is much more straight-forward and belongs to James’ girlfriend, India McEvoy. India was extremely busy all day, so it wasn’t until rather late on saturday night that I had a chance to catch up with her, so I apologise for the terrible lighting, but it was pitch black outside, so we just did the best we could! As Lily said, “You can’t tell how pretty she is”, and for that I apologise. 


IMG_1274_2.jpg
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon. Butts Leon looked a little bit flippant, taking the flag off one of the corners at 11 and 12, he was lucky at the main water at 16/17, again at the PRO water, and then I heard Nina’s luck finally ran out with a refusal at the very end of the course, 3 from home at the Charles Owen Brushes – a vertical down a slope to a skinny. 
IMG_1301_2.jpg
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe flew round on The Good Witch with one of the best rounds I saw all day. 
IMG_1313.jpg
Andrea Baxter and Estrella, barely visible over the big brush corner after the Table at 24a & b.
IMG_1316.jpg
Olivia Loicono and Subway looked spot-on the whole round. After an awkward landing over the Normandy Bank in the big water at 16, Olivia sat up and circled before approaching the Shamu Whale at 17 out. The jump judge originally awarded her 20 penalties for a refusal but this was later overturned by the Ground Jury. 
IMG_1326.jpg
First Mark gave Heather Morris a great ride round his first CCI*** despite picking up a stop at the water at 16, and he looked quite tired at the end. 
IMG_1327.jpg
Brittany Lunney and Cool Dancer, double clear
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Kristin Schmolze and Cavaldi, also double clear and lying 7th overnight
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Cool Dancer on his way home and still full of jump
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Ballynoe Castle RM at the penultimate
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Pam Fisher and Sea Lion were first back on course after Mar De Amor and Tamra Smith’s fall here fence 5, so it was a huge relief for everyone to see them sail over it without any mishap. The little black stallion flew around the whole course adding just 5.6 time penalties to his dressage score.
IMG_1369.jpg
John Michael Durr and Iona Grey
IMG_1379.jpg
Experienced Canadian campaigners Sandra Donnelly on Buenos Aires
IMG_1382.jpg
Jordan Lindstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind
IMG_1430_2.jpg
The overnight leaders, James Allison bringing Jumbo’s Jake home
IMG_1440.jpg
Nina Ligon having a better ride on Jazz King, they lie in 13th place overnight after the fastest clear of the day
IMG_1446.jpg
Ronald Zabala on his second round, the lovely Wise Equestrian Brer Fox
IMG_1445.jpg
Park Trader, the last horse on course in the CCI*** looked to be going superbly so it must have terribly frustrating for Buck to have a fall at the PRO water near the end and then watch him gallop riderless around the grounds. As he said, though, we look forward to bigger and better things from Park Trader in the future. 
IMG_2242.jpg
Harley, the Gracelands/James Allison Good Luck mascot who outdid himself today, just by staying put and being – it’s a dog’s life! 
Mike Tucker was relentless on the mic today, and flawless, bringing a little bit of Badminton to Galway Downs. The grounds crew came up trumps with the going, and despite a couple of holds on course throughout the day everything stayed to time.  @galwaydowns twitter feed were so active they actually got shut down, for which they apologise profusely and they promise to be back up and running with a vengeance on sunday.  It was an action-packed, thrilling day of cross country, and the final day’s show-jumping promises to be just as exciting. Thank you to everyone at Galway who helped to make it possible, and for all their hard work. I look forward to perhaps sharing internet and electricity with the scoring chicks again tomorrow for the stadium tests – I found out today that Robert Kellerhouse’s mum is the mother hen, and there’s also a rooster somewhere in there but I was getting a bit lost. I will try and find out more details during the show-jumping!  Thanks as always for reading, and Go Eventing!

Let’s meet Becca Braitling

I’m learning never to ignore anything Dr Laura Werner tells me. Now based at Hagyard Equine Hospital in Lexington, she’s a California girl at heart and when she heard I was coming to Galway told me I must meet Bec Braitling. Mission accomplished, and as usual Laura was right. I loved Becca, was so glad to have met her, and thrilled to bump into her later at the press conference after she moved into second place in the training three day after cross country: EN karma + hard work, talent + a tiny bit of luck = can’t be beat! 

I’m already beginning to go through California withdrawal – everyone has been so friendly and helpful to Lily and I, life at home will seem awfully quiet from now on. Perhaps there’s a winter circuit we should cover here?! Thanks to Becca for chatting with us, and risking Vanador’s escape, and hope to keep bumping into you more often! Go Aussie Eventing in the USA!

Reasons for running late tonight…

I was working away at the press office earlier this evening when I received a short text from  Chelan Kozak; only three words it read, “Margeritas Barn 12”. That’s a message that can’t be ignored, as we like to say in England, “it would be rude not to!”, so hotfooted it up there as fast as possible. I am glad to tell you that I have now met the infamous EN hero, who goes by the name of Clay, travels with his own ‘margerator’, and makes a damn fine cocktail!  So fine that when I gave James Alliston’s mother, Petey a taste, she decided she’d better have one of her own, so we returned to Barn 12 together. Petey told me she’d never had a margerita before, but thinks it might now be her favourite tipple!

Many, many thanks to Chelan for the kind invitation; it was just what we needed, and lovely to meet the whole gang.  Normal service will resume shortly! Go Eventing!

Galway Downs CCI*** Cross Country Day

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James Alliston and Jumbo’s Jake take the lead. He had to jump this corner at 24b without a white flag after Merel Blom’s Rumour Has It knocked it off.

Well, at least no-one’s talking about the weather anymore! Conditions have been perfect out on Ian Stark’s CCI*** course but problems were commonplace and spread fairly evenly. I can’t pretend not to be delighted for James Alliston who’s been a model of consistency all weekend and takes over the lead, although I wish it hadn’t come at Buck Davidson’s expense. Titanium may be some small compensation for Buck’s not a great day, a fall off Park Trader at the last water, and a refusal at the corner after the table, fence 24b on dressage leader Ballynoe Castle RM. Nate Chambers moves up into second place with a reliable clear within the time on his partner of 11 years Rolling Stone.

[All scores are here]

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 Jolie Wentworth rode GoodKnight into third.  There was one bad fall, Tamra Smith’s Mar De Amor got stuck upside down in the ditch at 5, but the crew on the grounds responded so quickly and efficiently, and he walked out none the worse for wear within minutes. Tamra was taken to hospital to be checked, but she was sitting up and talking although obviously upset. Full marks to the crew here who handled everything so efficiently.

Michael Pollard had a day he’ll want to forget, retiring both his horses after stops on course.  Lots more photos and some video interviews to come soon. Thanks for checking and I’ll be back later to Go Eventing!
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Jolie Wentworth on GoodKnight: she said her horse got better as he went round, here he is flying the second last at his first CCI***. He also has a distinctive King Boris tail – lots of swishing action as he goes! 

Galway Downs CCI*** Cross Country Day

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James Alliston and Jumbo’s Jake take the lead. He had to jump this corner at 24b without a white flag after Merel Blom’s Rumour Has It knocked it off.

Well, at least no-one’s talking about the weather anymore! Conditions have been perfect out on Ian Stark’s CCI*** course but problems were commonplace and spread fairly evenly. I can’t pretend not to be delighted for James Alliston who’s been a model of consistency all weekend and takes over the lead, although I wish it hadn’t come at Buck Davidson’s expense. Titanium may be some small compensation for Buck’s not a great day, a fall off Park Trader at the last water, and a refusal at the corner after the table, fence 24b on dressage leader Ballynoe Castle RM. Nate Chambers moves up into second place with a reliable clear within the time on his partner of 11 years Rolling Stone.

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 Jolie Wentworth rode GoodKnight into third. All scores are here. There was one bad fall, Tamra Smith’s Mar De Amor got stuck upside down in the ditch at 5, but the crew on the grounds responded so quickly and efficiently, and he walked out none the worse for wear within minutes. Tamra was taken to hospital to be checked, but she was sitting up and talking although obviously upset. Full marks to the crew here who handled everything so efficiently.
Michael Pollard had a day he’ll want to forget, retiring both his horses after stops on course.  Lots more photos and some video interviews to come soon. Thanks for checking and I’ll be back later to Go Eventing!
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Jolie Wentworth on GoodKnight: she said her horse got better as he went round, here he is flying the second last at his first CCI***. He also has a distinctive King Boris tail – lots of swishing action as he goes! 

Galway CCI** Update

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Whitney Weston and Rock on Rose – clear and fast, in fact Whitney told me she’s going to have to start researching a different bit for her next ride!

By virtue of clear jumping rounds cross country within the time, Amber Levine cemented her tied lead after the dressage on Oz Proof of Purchase, and Hawley Bennet-Awad moved into second place on SplendoroftheSun. Two time penalties dropped Max McManamy down two places to overnight 3rd place, but she said she was thrilled with her ride on Project Runway (video to come later), and James Alliston moved up into fourth place with a fast clear on Tivoli. The conditions are fabulous – the footing is perfect, the sun is out but it’s not too hot at all and there’s still a brisk breeze. I’d write more, in fact I’d write all day, but CCI*** is set to begin in minutes and I want to bring you all the action. You can check scores here, and follow @galwaydowns on twitter for live action updates. More later, Go eventing!

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Max McManamy is thrilled with her ride despite two time penalties. 

Galway CCI** update

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Whitney Weston and Rock on Rose – clear and fast, in fact Whitney told me she’s going to have to start researching a different bit for her next ride!

By virtue of clear jumping rounds cross country within the time, Amber Levine cemented her tied lead after the dressage on Oz Proof of Purchase, and Hawley Bennet-Awad moved into second place on SplendoroftheSun. Two time penalties dropped Max McManamy down two places to overnight 3rd place, but she said she was thrilled with her ride on Project Runway (video to come later), and James Alliston moved up into fourth place with a fast clear on Tivoli. The conditions are fabulous – the footing is perfect, the sun is out but it’s not too hot at all and there’s still a brisk breeze. I’d write more, in fact I’d write all day, but CCI*** is set to begin in minutes and I want to bring you all the action. You can check scores here, and follow @galwaydowns on twitter for live action updates. More later, Go eventing!

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Max McManamy is thrilled with her ride despite two time penalties. 

Quick Galway CCI* Update

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Sara Mittleider retains her lead in the CCI* going into tomorrow’s show-jumping. The cross country rode pretty well all morning, The warm up was moved, but otherwise the going was really good; as Robert Kellerhouse told me, yesterday’s rain did all the work that they would have done themselves watering and rolling. The footing in the arena was still wet this morning, but the sun is bright and strong, and conditions couldn’t be better.  Burt Wood, the course builder and his crew have been busy since the early hours, and remain so all day, taking care of the approaches and landings, and the communication and organisation seems to be tip-top today. 
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The top 6 remains unchanged after dressage going into the final day on sunday, although the three that were tied for third have been organised into placings. You can check scores here. Problems that occurred on course seemed fairly evenly spread out, although if there was one bogey fence perhaps it was at fence 4a and b, an oxer to a vertical in a little pen situation, the first question on course, and there were reports of the Pro-log at 10, before the steps down, getting a constant bashing and looking somewhat the worse for wear. 
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Bea Di Grazia on Lads Night Out
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Derek not far behind, and very swift too!
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Alyssa Phillips and Exploring
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Gina Miles and Sunsprite Patronus. More photos and hopefully video coming later. Go Galway Eventing!