Icabad Crane, the horse who began Phillip's relationship with Graham Motion. Photo by Jenni Autry.
With the CIC2* cross country going on at the same time at Plantation Field International, the riders in the one-star took to the stadium arena. The course, designed by Marc Donovan, tested the riders with good turning questions and an option at fence 6, making sure they budgeted their time appropriately for the 13 jumping efforts ahead of them.
Elizabeth Bortuzzo walks away with a CIC win under her belt. After leading division A the entire weekend, she left herself a one rail buffer. That buffer came in very handy on the last fence when Omina bumped a rail with her front legs, finishing on a score of 43.7. “I was trying to keep a nice and active canter and get the distances,” Elizabeth said. “I planned on taking the option at six. I got to the last fence and let her go a little too much.”
Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Omina CIC* Plantation Field International. Photo by Dave Taylor.
As she looks forward to the rest of her season, Elizabeth and Omina have Morven Park and the CIC2* at Virginia Horse Trials. “She will get a break after Virginia, and hopefully we can pick up the momentum in the spring and keep moving,” Elizabeth said.
Ryan Wood had an amazing round and went double clear on Ruby with her breeder, Ilona English watching from the sidelines. Having had a stellar dressage test and a clean cross country round, Ryan finishes on his dressage score of 44.7.
“I took the course on a little bit and rode forward with good rhythm. After having the planks at fence 6 down twice yesterday, I decided to take the option today,” Ryan said. “We are going to take her to the one-star at Virginia to finish off the season, but are enjoying having a great finish here at Plantation.”
Ryan Wood and Ruby CIC* Plantation Field International. Photo by Dave Taylor.
Kelly Prather on D.A. Calimero, Buck Davidson on Riviera, Phillip Dutton on D.O.D. Rockefeller, and Kristen Bond on Enough Already finish out the top six of the CIC*-A division.
Phillip Dutton and the Thoroughbred superstar Icabad Crane jumped clear and inside the time to hold their overnight lead and win the B division. Graham and Anita Motion, owners of the bay gelding, were able to witness firsthand Icabad’s first FEI win. Going into cross country, Phillip said, “He has had a pretty quick ride in the sport. Every time he comes out, it’s pretty new for him. He’s got a good heart, and I want to make sure Icabad gets experience at all the jumps so he get a good base in his education.”
Today in stadium, Phillip piloted Icabad around the course going double clear. He kept his turns very handy throughout the course and went double clear finishing on his dressage score of 41.1. “He’s not the most orthodox jumper, but he’s very clean. I went in just wanting a clean round for him, so I made sure I had plenty of power at each jump,” Phillip said.
Phillip Dutton and Icabad Crane. Photo by Dave Taylor.
“Icabad’s big CCI debut will be at Kentucky MidSouth, and he will be doing a demonstration at the Thoroughbred Makeover as well. He has me really excited for his future,” Phillip said.
Finishing just behind Phillip is Ellie MacPhail on RF Panamera, having moved back into second place after stadium. The pair went double clear though Marc Donovan’s course, taking a gamble at fence six and jumping the planks as most took the option. “Pax is really careful in the stadium, so I was really confident taking the direct route over the planks,” Ellie said.
Ellie and Pax had one of 11 double clear rounds, making this division all about rails left in the cups. Ellie said, “I haven’t ridden her in a ring like this before, but she was great and stepped right up to the challenge today.” Ellie plans to take Pax to MidSouth as well after a stop off at Morven to finish off the season.
Elinor MacPhail and RF Panamera CIC* Plantation Field International. Photo by Dave Taylor.
Jan Byyny kept the pressure on the leaders all weekend long, moving up in the standing after each phase. “As we looked at cross country, I knew time would be an issue. After a fall in my first round, I was a bit nervous heading out with Urrem, as she can be a bit too careful,” Jan explained. “She was great through the entire course, and I had a lot of fun running this track on her.”
Going double clear on cross country, Jan focused on the stadium course. “Urrem is a really good jumper, and that was her job before I got her. She can also be a really hot ride, but she put in a great effort on a great and smart course designed by Marc,” Jan said. She concludes the CIC*-B on her dressage score of 43.3.
Jan also talked about why this is the Best. Event. Ever. “Plantation has done a great job with this event. They have a great community running this show, and knowing from my own show (Surefire Horse Trials), it is not an easy task. Hats off to the for putting on such a great show for the eventing community.”
Jan Byyny and Urrem Plantation Field International CIC*. Photo by Dave Taylor.
Lucia Strini on JMF Master Cooley, Meghan O’Donoghue on Palm Crescent, and Caitlin Silliman on Vagabon de Champdoux finish out the top six placing of the CIC*-B division.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of the CIC3* and the full report from the CIC2* at Plantation Fields International.
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