International Eventing Show of Lignières
Monday, October 05, 2009
Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) & Clayton Fredericks (AUS) crowned
This last day of competition ran under a summery weather. The current world n°13, Clayton Fredericks (AUS), has flown over the CCI 2 Stars Virbac Trophy. With his new horse Bendigo, he started with a very good 2nd place at the dressage test, and kept his score thanks to a clear cross country and jumping courses. “We bought Bendigo last year afther Nullabor’s death. In fact he belongs to the same owners and I’m really happy of this performance! I’ve heard about the show of Lignières last year and several riders and friends told me that it was a cool event. I’m not disappointed! » Now qualified for 3 stars level, Bendigo will compete under Clayton’s saddle in the CIC3* of Camerri (ITA) in two weeks. This show jumping test played a critical role in the final result. The clear round paid a lot for many riders, like Pascal Leroy (FRA) and Jodie Amos (GBR) who were finally 5th and 6th. The British rider Laurence Hunt could have been on the podium but one fence down and he finished 4th, letting Didier Willefert jump onto the 3th place. Jean Teulère, who was there to prepare the CCI4* of Pau with Matelot du Grand Val, did a perfect job finishing 2nd.
CIC* Fenioux Trophy: King Nicolas
In the lead since the dressage test, Nicolas Touzaint knew that everybody will be waiting for his performance on the cross country test on Sunday afternoon. On a course designed by Pierre Le Goupil, some of the 78 couples had difficulties, like Pauline Mercadier (FRA) and Jonelle Richards (NZL) who fell down at water fence n°5. Hopefully, 57 riders realized a clear round. The Swiss rider Esther Andres, unfortunate in the CCI**, succeeded this time with Schwalbenfuerst by finishing without any matter (9th). 2nd before this last test, Gilles Pons (FRA) could stay on the podium, but fell at the end of the course and was been eliminated. Nicolas Touzaint had just to do his job, and he did it quite well: 3 clear rounds in the time allowed riding Miss Wanted Fast (1st), Neptune de Sartene (2nd) and Lesbos (4th). Only Bertrand Vuatoux (FRA) prevented him to achieve a real holdup, finishing 3rd with Opium de Blinière.
This second edition of the International Eventing Show of Lignières (France) was a real success. Thanks to a summery weather during 4 days, and a proven organization, riders congratulated all the organizing committee and promised to come back next year.
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