Karen Pavicic Wins Freestyle at 2016 CDI Omaha, Leads Another Canadian Sweep of Top Two Places

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2016 CDI Omaha

Karen Pavicic led another Canadian sweep of the top two places, winning the CDI4* Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle at the fifth annual International Omaha. Pavicic and her 14-year-old, Oldenburg gelding won for the second straight night in the first FEI approved CDI 4* Dressage competition being held at Omaha along with its CSI 3* Jumping competition.

International Omaha runs May 5-7 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska, site of the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Dressage Final.

Pavicic claimed the win with a score of 73.11 from the five-judge panel of Janet Foy (USA), Gary Rockwell (USA), Christof Umbach (LUX), Ulrike Nivelle (GER) and Cara Whitham (CAN).

"I felt that he had more energy tonight," said Pavicic who represented Canada at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. "I like to have fun with the freestyle and I use modern music. I'm really very happy with how he performed. I want to thank (Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman) Lisa Roskens who had the vision for the World Cup coming here and for this event. They've really done a fantastic job and I look forward to the World Cup next year because it's going to be incredible!"

Placing second for the second straight night was two-time Olympic veteran Jacqueline Brooks who finished with a score of 71.20 on D Niro, a 17-year-old, Swedish-bred gelding owned by Mary Brooks and Brookhaven Dressage. Brooks felt that her horse really bounced back after being affected by the large arena and electric atmosphere in the previous night's Grand Prix.

"He was kind of overwhelmed last night but his legs kept doing what they were supposed to do," she said. "Tonight I think he really showed what he has become and I am so proud of him."

Finishing third was Lauren Sprieser of Marshall, VA with a score of 69.73 seconds on her own Ellegria, a 15-year-old, Westphalian mare. "I've had her since she was five and we are new to this level," Sprieser said. "What I'm so proud of is that last night, with her heart pounding, she still rode mistake-free and tonight she was so much better. I am so very lucky to have her!"