Michael Jung, Laura Collett Win at Le Lion d’Angers, Kelly Prather 9th

Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It was an exciting day across the pond for our U.S. rider, Kelly Prather, as she jumped a beautiful double clear round earlier today to ultimately finish ninth in a very competitive 7-year-old championship division at Le Lion d’Angers.

Kelly received the inaugural Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant to compete at the prestigious Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers this year, and they made good on the opportunity by finishing on their dressage score to jump from 32nd after dressage to a top ten finish. She finishes in excellent company, with Chris Burton, Michael Jung, Thomas Carlile and Laura Collett also accompanying her in the top 10.

Laura Collett and Mr Bass. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Laura Collett and Mr Bass. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It wasn’t to be for Michael Jung in the 7-year-old class as he incurred 12 jumping penalties with Lennox 364, with whom he led following the first two phases, to drop down into eighth place overall. It was Laura Collett and Mr Bass who would take the win, finishing clear to move from fourth into the champion position.

Mr Bass is owned by Laura, Keith Scott and Nick How and completed his very first CCI2* this weekend in grand fashion. It was a tough show jumping course that yielded few clear rounds, so Laura has an exciting horse for the future in this young one.

Michael Jung and fischerIncantas. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung and fischerIncantas. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung did, however, win the 6-year-old championship aboard fischerIncantas — just how many of these fischer horses does he have waiting in the wings? Share the wealth, Michael. Just share it. Michael did pick up four faults today, but he had as much in hand to be able to still seal the win over second placed Merel Blom and The Quizmaster.

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