Pick of the Best!
Big Bad John - Spruce Meadows
July 6, 2008
Calgary, AB --- There had only been 13 clear rounds in the 22 year history of the Chrysler Classic Derby until John Anderson (CAN) and Mario Deslauriers (CAN) took to the course at Spruce Meadows. Riding his mare Gesine 36 John Anderson rode the course like the veteran he is, having won the competition twice already. With an early clear round it seemed he would be champion for the third time. “I already had Gesine’s boots off,” said Anderson. It turned out he was a little early, with the last entry in the competition, Mario Deslauriers riding clear.
Multiple clears are very rare in the Chrysler Classic Derby, happening only five times in its history. It took a jump-off to decide the champion. Anderson was first in the jump-off and he was clear. Deslauriers knew he had to be faster if he wanted to win. The speed cost him an early rail and the victory. “Paradigm just didn’t focus really well and was off from the first fence,” said Deslauriers.
For Anderson this was his third time as champion of the Chrysler Classic Derby something only Ian Millar has done more. “It was a nail biter for me. They all feel really good to have won. They are fun and I love derbys,” said Anderson after his win. “This is the fourth time Gesine and I have done this derby. We didn’t even make it through the first one. I chickened out,” added the champion. For Anderson it would seem that practice makes perfect as this is his first clear round in the competition.
Deslauriers did not go home without a title today, however, after he successfully defended his Spruce Meadows North American Championship.
In the FEI 1.50 m finale Ashlee Bond (USA) won her first ever Spruce Meadows International Ring competition on the last day of the “North American” Tournament. The 23 year-old American out rode 39 of her competitors to lay claim to the $75,000 Sun Life Financial Reach for the Sun.
Jumping the only double clear Bond beat her show jumping heroes. “I try not to think that I am riding against Ian Millar, Lauren Hough and Eric Lamaze. I try to focus on myself,” said Bond after her win. With the likes of Hough, Millar and her mentor Richard Spooner being left in Bond’s dust it is clear she can ride with the best. “I always remember that I am so blessed to be able to ride a horse, to be a partner with an animal and to do this for a living,” added the champion.
Chrysler Classic Derby top 10 – 1- John Anderson CAN Gesine 36 2- Mario Deslauriers CAN Paradigm 3- Santiago Lambre MEX Curant 4- Leslie Howard USA Lennox Lewis 2 5- Gary Brewster CAN Royal Viali 6- Mandy Porter USA Enfuego 7- Mario Deslauriers CAN Obeliz R 8- Jill Henselwood CAN Black Ice 9- Ian Millar CAN Redefin 10- Richard Spooner USA Air Time Sun Life Financial Reach for the Sun top 10 – 1- Ashlee Bond USA Cadett 7 2- Alberto Michan MEX Chinobampo Lavita 3- Richard Spooner USA Ace 4- Charlotte van Breeman NED Tempo la Escondida 5- Ali Wolff USA Lanoo 6- John Anderson CAN Terrific 7- Mac Cone CAN Wembley 234 8- Leslie Howard USA Jeans Glove Varnel 9- Lauren Hough USA Quick Study 10- Julie Welles USA St. Laurent
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