Traverse City, Michigan, USA – August 07, 2022 – Natalie Dean (USA) reached a level of speed that neither spectators nor competitors alike anticipated in the $37,000 Cabana Coast Grand Prix CSI 2* Saturday afternoon. With the Marigold Sporthorses LLC entry Dotcom D’Athuit, the young rider bested a field of 49 for the title.
The first-round track was built with challenges, but 10 managed to jump clear and advance to the jump-off. Dean returned seventh in the order, with Georgina Bloomberg (USA) in the lead with the Gotham Enterprizes, LLC, entry Sempa Fidelis in 38.55 seconds. Several pairs had broken beneath the 40-second mark, and it wasn’t obvious that there was much space to improve the time.
Dean felt differently, though. With the 9-year-old Selle Français mare (Diamant de Semilly x Quidam de Revel), she sped to a time of 35.84 seconds, finding nearly three seconds to shave off the leading time and claiming the win.
Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) found a spot in second place but still a bit off the pace in 38.37 seconds aboard Andrew Welles LLC’s Onermie van het Weyenshof and Bloomberg took third.
Dean has been partnered with Dotcom D’Athuit for two years. The mount is another find of Dean’s trainer, Ilan Ferder. Saturday marked the mare’s first FEI grand prix victory. “She’s been an amazing horse,” she said of their relationship. “She has her own style and technique but it works with her and she is clear in almost every class. I’m really excited for the future with her.”
Dean has had a spectacular few weeks in Traverse City, with FEI wins as well as victories in the young horse divisions aboard her up-and-coming mounts. “To be honest, this show has always been a top show for me with all my horses,” she said of GLEF. “They really like it here, the weather’s great, it’s such a nice facility, and we’re really lucky to spend our summers here.”
Final Results – $37,000 Cabana Coast Grand Prix CSI 2*
1) Nathalie Dean (USA) & Dotcom D’Athui – 0 / 0 – 35.84
2) Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) & Onermie van het Weyenshof – 0 / 0 – 38.37
3) Georgina Bloomberg (USA) & Sempa Fidelis – 0 / 0 – 38.55
Source: Press Release from Traverse City Horse Shows
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News USA
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