Greenwich, Connecticut – October 08, 2022 – Mark Bluman (COL) brought forward the youngest horse into the $37,000 Grand Prix CSI 2* to kick off the afternoon at CSI Greenwich.
But inexperience did not seem to hinder 8-year-old Ester de Maugre. Bluman and the chestnut Selle Français mare (Vigo Cece x Ogano Sitte) bested a 13-horse jump-off to claim their second grand prix in just three starts at the level.
“She won the first one she ever did, and she won this one,” Bluman said. “It’s pretty impressive for her age, and I’m excited for her future.” The winning pair crossed the timers of Alan Wade‘s (IRL) short course in 35.15 seconds.
Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Chancelloress (Chacco-Blue x Balou du Rouet) finished second with no penalties and a jump-off time of 35.59 seconds.
Lucy Deslauriers (USA) and Hester (Wandor van de Mispelaere x Palestro vd Begijnakker) completed the podiem backed by a clean scorecard too, crossing the timers in 36.55 seconds during the tiebreaker.
“I probably ended up doing more strides than anybody else, but she’s actually quicker off of the ground, and over the jumps she’s pretty quick. I just use that to my advantage,” Bluman said. “She’s pretty careful and I’m pretty fast, and my strategy was just to try to flow with her and let her do her job and try to do mine as good as I could.“
Bluman took a two-star win at CSI Greenwich in 2021 with El Conde, who is now competing successfully at the five-star level with Nayel Nassar (EGY). Bluman hopes Ester de Maugre can have a similar trajectory in the sport.
“The plan is just to keep developing her, and hopefully she becomes one big Grand Prix horse in the future,” he said.
Final Results – $37,000 Grand Prix of Greenwich CSI 2*
1) Mark Bluman (COL) & Ester de Maugre – 0 – 35.15
2) Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Chancelloress – 0 – 35.59
3) Lucy Deslauriers (USA) & Hester – 0 – 36.55
Source: Press Release by Catie Staszak Media
Photos: © Ashley Neuhof
Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News America Latina
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