Friday April 22, 2005

Edward Gal Wins Grand Prix at the 2005 World Cup Finals

U.S. Secures Four Rides for Freestyle

Three weeks ago, Debbie McDonald returned Brentina to competition in Los Angeles. In Las Vegas, she zoomed to the top of the leaderboard with 75.958—and held that spot till Gal's ride at 4:00 PM.

Brentina excelled in transitions, in harmony with McDonald. She was in tune with her rider, with complete agreement to every request. Her regular paces in piaffe and passage gained her points over horses with more extravagant movement.

“She's back in top form and stronger than ever,” said McDonald about her mare. The pair may have a slight advantage, due to their dressage demonstrations at both the 2000 and 2003 World Cup Finals held in the Thomas and Mack arena.

The three other U.S. riders qualified for the Freestyle. Robert Dover placed right after McDonald, with 75.625. Riding his Olympic mount, FBW Kennedy, he also earned several 9's on his ride.

Dover was 13th in the order, but luck didn't apply to his first-class test. The chestnut gelding showed with distinction his rhythmic trot, excellent piaffe, and flowing transitions. Viewed from seats high in the arena, Kennedy demonstrated straightness in his position—from this angle, some other horses looked crooked on the long sides during their tests.

Leslie Morse was fifth to ride, the second of the four U.S. riders. She showed a strong test on her Dutch stallion, Kingston (72.792). He continues to improve, showing his lofty canter and powerful trot.

Aragon was 11th in the start order with Guenter Seidel. His flowing, relaxed trot and smooth transitions helped him to a score of 71.125. Like Salinero, he missed a change in the one-tempis. However, the slow-motion video replay of Aragon in piaffe earned huge applause from the crowd, especially when announcer Brian O'Connor praised “this beautiful slow motion of passage and piaffe.”

Photos copyrighted: Tetleyphoto.com

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