Wellington, Florida, USA – October 10, 2021 – The ESP October show wrapped up on Sunday with the $25,000 Score At The Top Grand Prix, which featured horse-and-rider pairs from five different nations. Representing Colombia, Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) and Adalberto Audi Scappino, owned by Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, rode straight to the top as the best-performing pair over two rounds of competition designed by Jasen Shelley (USA).
The first round of riding proved to be tricky for much of the field, as only three partnerships completed the course without any faults to advance to the jump-off. Returning first, Gallego (COL) and Adalberto Audi Scappino turned in a quick time of 42.92 seconds over the grass Derby Field, but dropped a rail to incur four faults and open the door for the next challengers to take over the lead. Next up, Liza Finsness (USA) and her own Shiver tackled the course, but lowered two fences to accrue eight faults.
The final entry, owner-rider Tanimari Macari (MEX) and Feminka put forth a valiant effort, but also dropped a single rail to incur four faults and stopped the timers at 43.02 seconds, just milliseconds off of the leading time, to confirm Gallego (COL) and Adalberto Audi Scappino as the victors. Just barely behind the leaders, Macari (MEX) and Feminka earned the runner-up title, followed by Liza Finsness (USA) and Shiver as the final jump-off entry in third position.
“When we walked the first course, we thought it looked nice and just difficult enough for this class,” commented Gallego (COL). “I think we were all expecting more clear rounds. Perhaps the time-allowed was a little tight at the beginning, but some riders had unlucky rails. For me, it was my lucky day to have only three in the jump-off because even with a rail down I was able to get the win.”
“This horse is nine years old. He is very competitive and honest, and he always wants to be in the ribbons,” noted Gallego (COL) of Adalberto Audi Scappino. “He is a super cool horse to do these types of classes at the 1.40m to 1.45m level. We will fight for the next grand prix here. During the Winter Equestrian Festival, I think he will be a good horse to do the CSI2* classes.”
The next event in the ESP Fall Series will be the ESP Fall I show, which will take place from October 14-17, 2021. Five subsequent events will make up the circuit, concluding with the ESP Pre-Charity CSI3*, which will feature international competition, from November 17-21, 2021. Click HERE to access the 2021 ESP Fall Series Prize List.
Final Results – $25,000 Score At The Top Grand Prix
1) Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) & Adalberto Audi Scappino – 0 / 4 – 42.929
2) Tanimara Macari (MEX) & Feminka – 0 / 4 – 43.023
3) Liza Finsness (USA) & Shiver – 0 / 8 – 48.35
Source: Press Release from TIEC – Tryon International Equestrian Center
Photos: © Anne Gittins Photography
Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News America Latina
