Another Audi for Rodrigo Pessoa…

For the 3rd consecutive week Belgium has played host to a major CSI. This time the venue was Brussels where the Audi Equestrian Masters show ran at Tour & Taxis from 28th September to 1st October, under the direction of the Brazilian maestro Nelson Pessoa who, like his son Rodrigo has long been resident in the area.

Rodrigo Pessoa again emerged triumphant in the Final of the Audi Masters, with the fastest of 5 clears in the jump-off, on Oasis.

The prize of an Audi Q7 came just a week after their victory worth 50,000 euros, in the VDL Groep Grand Prix which was the Final of the Open European Masters Gold League at Zangersheide.

Oasis is owned by Double H Farm in the USA and only joined Rodrigo earlier this year, their first major win coming in July in Grand Prix at the Falsterbo CSIO, and is the horse he plans to ride in the 2007 Pan American Games. Runner-up was the American rider Laura Kraut and Anthem, 1.59 secs in arrears, who picked up 35,000 euros and 3rd was the stylish Gregory Wathelet on Nike who won 30,000 euros.

John Whitaker from Great Britain and Peppermill finished in a creditable 4th place adding 20,000 euros to their winnings.

Results (01.10.06)
Audi Equestrian Masters Trophy
Gold League 1,60m – FEI 238.2.2

1º Oasis / Rodrigo Pessoa (Bra) / 0/0 -36.62s
2º Anthem / Laura Kraut (EUA) / 0/0- 38.21
3º Nike / Gregory Wathelet (Ukr) / 0/0- 39.43
4º Peppermill / John Whitaker (Gbr) / 0/0- 39.97
5º Toulon / Hubert Bourdy (Fra) / 0/0- 42.23
6º Tresor / Steve Guerdat (Sui) / 0/4- 36.28
7º Isovlas Pialotta / Edwina Alexander (Aus) / 0/4- 37.26
8º Cash / Marco Kutscher (Ger) / 0 / 4 – 38.06
9º Ilostra Dark / Eugenie Angot (Fra) / 0 / 4- 39.22
10º Ulysse / Philippe Le Jeune (Bel) / 0 / 4 – 39.79