Sunday September 30, 2001

Saturday, Devon Magic Day

Of the six days of competition at Dressage at Devon, there is no day like Saturday. Hot or cold, rain or wind, there is magic in the air and it is not being blown away by the elements. On Saturday, Devon gets packed with crowds of dressage enthusiasts. The stands are filled, the walking areas are blocked by people and the trade fair is doing florishing business. "69 dollars for clogs, I had to buy them," a visitor said. Top offers at the trade fair and top dressage in the arena, so why miss 2001 Dressage ay Devon?

In the FEI Intermediaire I class, Dutch native Suzanne van Cuyk re-established her Intermediaire I level lead after she had given away the victory yesterday in the Prix St Georges. Undefeatable at this level last year, Van Cuyk was only the strongest in the Intermediaire I this year. Aboard her Dutch bred Iago (by Pele), she scored 68,500% and tied with second placed Yvonne Barteau. Barteau presented the Swedish Chimon (by Amiral) and also got 68.500%. Canadian Jessica Costello had a wonderful ride on her chestnut Litmanen and ranked first for a long time with 67.833%, but ended third at the end of the class.

The most exciting class of the day was, without a doubt, the Grand Prix freestyle. While the crowds were packed together in the stands, enjoying each other's body warmth during a 40° F. evening, some top level kurs were ridden in the Dixon Oval main arena. It was the public's favorite Neil Ishoy who came, saw and conquered with his white Oldenburg gelding Andiamo Tyme. Ishoy received 74.875% from the panel of judges and claimed the blue ribbon, silver trophy and $4,000 USD check of prize money. Last year's winner Cheri Reiber placed second this year. Her bag pipe and Braveheart inspired musical composition was good for 70.900%. Canadian Shannon Oldham-Dueck came in third aboard Korona scoring just below 70%, namely 69.750%.

Text by Astrid Appels

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