Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett, a 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, topped the FEI Grand Prix CDI W class sponsored by the U.S. P.R.E. Association on the first day of competition during Week 3 of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The duo scored a 73.220% to take the win, followed closely by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP) aboard the beautiful P.R.E. stallion Grandioso, scoring a 72.360%, and Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor coming in third on a 72.200%.
Tomorrow's competition will highlight the final group of the FEI Prix St. Georges class, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, as well as the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, beginning at 6:45pm.
Petersen and Mariett have formed an incredible partnership through the years and their efforts are paying off greatly in the beginning of the 2015 season, as this is the pair's second win at AGDF. “She was very good today. There were a few bobbles, but I was still very pleased with the test overall,” said Petersen. “She was great last week during the 'Friday Night Stars' Freestyle, and I just want to keep her as fit and supple as possible and not do more with her than I need to.”
Age has never been a concern with Mariett according to Petersen, as the mare will turn 18 next year. “She feels amazing, and I am confident that she will come back next year the same way. I don't know what it is about her, but she continues to feel better with each ride,” he expressed.
The duo preformed a lovely test late in afternoon, as they were in the latter half of the class, which boasted 33 competitors. A crowd favorite, Petersen plans to take Mariett out a few more times this season at AGDF, aiming her towards the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas this April. “We will be doing a total of five shows throughout the season. I know what to do in-between the shows. I don't need to push her any harder just because she is competing. It actually works very well for her,” commented Petersen. “I will be doing the CDI 5* in a few weeks and a couple more after that. My ultimate goal is to aim her for the World Cup Finals.”
The FEI Grand Prix class, filled with veteran pairs, had riders from seven different countries place in the top eight, a testament to the growing international presence at AGDF, as well as to the strength of competition. AGDF competition continues tomorrow with the final rides for the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, and the highlight class of the week, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by US P.R.E. Association, starting at 6:45 pm.
Final Results: FEI Grand Prix CDI W, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E, Judge H, Judge C, Judge M, Judge B, Total
1. Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, Come Back II x Zendi x Sidney: 71.300%, 72.900%, 74.400%, 75.000%, 72.500%, 73.220%
2. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP), Grandioso, 1999 P.R.E. stallion, Adelante x Grandiosa x Sevillano IX: 69.700%, 75.800%, 74.500%, 70.800%, 71.000%, 72.360%
3. Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor, 2003 Oldenburg gelding, Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I: 69.300%, 71.100%, 73.300%, 75.900%, 71.400%, 72.200%
4. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare, Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern: 73.400%, 70.500%, 73.300%, 70.500%, 69.500%, 71.440%
5.Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Di Versace x Fatima x Farragamo: 69.700%, 70.600%, 71.000%, 71.700%, 70.600%, 70.720%
6. Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 2002 Oldenburg gelding, Don Cardinale x Nedstatte III x Rubinstein I: 69.200%, 70.000%, 71.600%, 68.000%, 69.800% 69.720%
7. Christoph Koschel (GER), Tiesto, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Gribaldi x Nadie x Ferro: 69.900%, 68.600%, 69.200%, 68.900%, 71.700%, 69.660%
8. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 2001 Oldenburg stallion, Sandro Song x Rosenfee x Rohdiamant: 69.500%, 67.800%, 66.300%, 68.900%, 68.800%, 68.260%