Steffen Peters was in a league of his own at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on the afternoon of March 10th, as he and Ravel thrilled the audience with a personal best performance earning 80.872% in the Grand Prix test at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5*.
Riding Akiko Yamazaki's 13 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding, the Olympic and World Equestrian Games medalist entered the arena last of 17 American, Canadian and European competitors. From beginning to end, the ride stood out for its power and harmony. Peters was rewarded with the win and the highest Grand Prix score of his FEI career, 80.872%. "It was just an amazing ride," said Peters after the awards presentation. "It will, from now on, be the ride that I compare all the other rides to."
It was a one-two finish for the United States at the WDM Palm Beach. Tina Konyot and her 13 year old Danish Warmblood stallion Calecto V placed second with 72.213% after a dynamic and harmonious test. "I try to improve every time we go out," said Konyot. "This was one of my better Grand Prix tests, and it certainly was the right time to do it."
Europe was represented in today's top three, with Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfven placing third on Favourit after the FEI ground jury awarded her with 71.340% for her performance. The 12 year old Rheinlander gelding is owned by Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Axel Johnson Group, the presenting sponsor of the World Dressage Masters series. Vilhelmsson Silfven has been based in South Florida through the winter with a group of horses, and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "It's been such a great time these three months. For me this has been just super."
All the competitors expressed gratitude to the sponsors and organizers who came together on short notice to make sure the WDM Palm Beach didn't disappear from the 2011 calendar. "We are excited to have the WDM here," said Konyot. "At first we were disappointed that it wasn't going to happen, but thanks to the sponsors who stepped in, we are all here. The organizers have done a spectacular job." Among the many preparations made for the WDM Palm Beach was an enhancement of the footing in the competition arena and warm ups, which was commended by all the riders. "The footing is not just good; I personally think it's perfect", said Peters.
Noreen O'Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage, the producer of the WDM Palm Beach, is delighted to see the positive result of the work she and her team have put into making the event happen. "I have to thank many people. This really was a team effort from everyone, including the riders and sponsors."
Eurosport Events is the official broadcaster of the World Dressage Masters series, and will show highlights from the Grand Prix Freestyle as part of "Wednesday Selection", a weekly prime-time program that features equestrian among other sports, such as sailing and golf. The USEF will provide a live webcast of Friday's Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. Coverage of the Grand Prix Special will begin at 1 pm EST, and the Freestyle will begin at 7:30 pm EST. The free, worldwide live coverage can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/WDM2011.
-- WDM Press release
Related Links
Scores 2011 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach
2011 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Set to Begin at Jim Brandon Center