Francis Derwin Dashes for the Cash in €25,950 Speed Challenge CSI 3* at Vilamoura

By jumpernewsteam on 4 04America/Sao_Paulo November 04America/Sao_Paulo 2022

Vilamoura, Quarteira, Faro, Portugal – November 04, 2022 – Francis Derwin (IRL) and AHG Whiterock Cruise Down flew to first in the €25,950 Speed Challenge CSI 3* on Friday during fourth week of the VillaMoura Champions Tour at the VillaMoura Equestrian Centre.

Derwin and the 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cruisings Micky Finn x Touchdown) pranced and danced across the course, clearing all the 1.45m obstacles before dashing across the finish line in flawless fashion, stopping the timers in 57. 84 seconds.

As many times before at the cozy equestrian venue, once again, it was a battle between Ireland and Great Britain for the top spots on the podium. Ireland secured the win, however it was Great Britain who put two combinations amongst the top three. Holly Smith (GBR) and Fruselli (Zambesi TN x Karandasj) secured silver honors, being slighly over a second slower (58.86 seconds) than the eventual winners.

James Smith (GBR) and Arkuga (Arko III x Heartbreaker) registered the third-fastest clean performance of the contest, rounding out the top three in 59.31 seconds.

Final Results – €25,950 Speed Challenge CSI 3*

1) Francis Derwin (IRL) & AHG Whiterock Cruise Down – 0 – 57.84

2) Holly Smith (GBR) & Fruselli – 0 – 58.86

3) James Smith (GBR) & Arkuga – 0 – 59.31

full results

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.