Ryan Genn & VDL Gerinus T Race to First in $25,000 Resiliant Fitness Grand Prix

By on 20 20America/Sao_Paulo December 20America/Sao_Paulo 2021

Wellington, Florida – December 17, 2021 – On Friday, 40 contenders vied for the top prize in the $25,000 Resilient Fitness Grand Prix, and five of those pairs finished the first round without faults to qualify for the jump-off. Though the starting field was internationally-diverse with duos from eight nations, just two were represented in the second phase of competition. Four American partnerships and one team from Great Britain took their turn over the abridged course.

“I think the timing was a little bit of a factor in the first round, so you had to ride the pace a little bit. Anytime you have to think about pace, then the more technical parts get more difficult,” Genn (USA) remarked. “Luckily for me, it’s never an issue because my horse has so much action naturally. When Jessica [Mendoza] had a rail down in the jump-off, I just wanted a double clean. I kind of let go of the reins and he ended up being super fast. He has so much action; it’s easier to go fast than controlled.”

In the jump-off, Genn (USA) and VDL Gerinus T were the second to ride out of five. The combination put in the first double-clear effort of the class, stopping the clock in 39.48 seconds. Of the three remaining contenders, two put in foot-perfect performances, but could not come within two seconds of Genn’s leading time, solidifying him and VDL Gerinus T as the winners.

“We’ve had him since he was five. He’s been really difficult as far as training goes because he’s so sharp and wound up, but always a winner, even as a five-year-old. Every step of the way he has been a winner. I’d rather have a horse that bites me every once and a while but still wins some ribbons!” Genn commented.

Sandra Dalman (USA) and Dalman Show Jumping’s Haitie claimed second place with a double-clear time of 41.61 seconds, followed by Caitlyn Connors (USA) riding her own Escada 289 in third position with the final double-clear time of 42.39 seconds.