Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett took home the win in the first “Friday Night Stars” event of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) season. In the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by MTICA Farm, they scored an impressive 78.325% to secure the victory. Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady followed in second receiving a 74.075% with Caroline Darcourt (SWE) riding Paridon Magi to finish third with a 72.700%.
Petersen and Mariett, veterans to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, displayed their impressive form, a clear indication of the duo's long-standing partnership. “I think I said this last year, but it seems like she's actually getting younger,” he said smiling. “She's 17 and knock-on-wood, still so fresh. I don't work the tests with her very much, it's more about keeping her fit. She still has a few more great years left in her.”
The pair was followed closely by fellow Danish rider Munter Gundersen and My Lady, who have also enjoyed a successful start to the 2015 season. “My Lady feels stronger and better than ever, for sure. I've spent the last four months since WEG working on strength and conditioning,” commented Munter Gundersen. “She's a hot horse and needs to go out a lot. I have a good feeling that we will continue to improve throughout the season. I'm extremely happy with what we have accomplished this week already.”
Caroline Darcourt also had a great ride aboard Paridon Maji in their first test under the lights. Darcourt, who has worked closely with Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven for nearly 12 years, was very pleased with the performance. “It was fantastic to ride in this ring under the lights. We've never done that before, and I'm happy he took it the way he did. It has been a great experience so far, especially to train. The facility is world-class,” she said.
The stands were full for the first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class of the season, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Sponsor Janne Rumbough, owner of MTICA Farm and My Lady and also a competitor aboard her own Junior in tonight's class, was thrilled with the turnout and the results. “It was wonderful to be here and be the book-end. I was the first, and Mikala was the last. I had an incredible time. I've been (in Wellington) a long time, and it continues to grow and grow. It's just a lot of fun,” she stated.
In the first week of FEI CDI classes held at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, 13 countries have been represented with 42 riders and 54 horses, truly impressive numbers for the beginning of the season with those numbers only expected to increase as the competition schedule continues forward.
Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI W, presented by MTICA Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E, Judge H, Judge C, Judge M, Judge B, Total
1 Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 17-year-old Danish Warmblood mare owned by Marcia M. Pepper, Zendi x Comeback II: 76.875%, 79.125%, 76.875%, 79.375%, 79.375%, 78.325%
2 Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare owned by Janne Rumbough, Marion x Michellino: 73.875%, 75.500%, 74.000%, 73.500%, 73.500%, 74.075%
3 Caroline Darcourt (SWE), Paridon Magi, 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Don Primero 981 x Napoleon 625: 78.000%, 70.625%, 69.375%, 73.500%, 72.000%, 72.700%
4 Catherine Haddad-Staller (USA), Mane Stream Hotmail, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by rider, Rederna x Michellino: 72.000%, 73.000%, 70.375%, 71.875%, 73.155%, 72.081%
5 Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Don Cardinale x Rubinstein I: 72.875%, 71.250%, 71.875%, 69.875%, 72.500%, 71.675%
6 Lisa Wilcox (USA), Denzello, 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by De Niro x Rohdiamant: 71.375%, 71.625%, 72.125%, 72.000%, 70.625%, 71.550%
6 Kelly Layne (AUS), Udon P, 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Hierarch x Uniform: 69.625%, 74.750%, 71.375%, 73.375%, 68.625%, 71.550%
8 Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), Don Diego Ymas, 12-year-old gelding by Don Frederico: 73.125%, 69.000%, 71.000%, 70.500%, 70.250%, 70.775%