Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett rose to the top in the 5* Grand Prix at the 2015 CDI Wellington on Thursday 5 February 2015. Petersen topped the large Grand Prix class with a score of 74.160%, followed by Danish teammate Mikala Gundersen (DEN) aboard My Lady finishing with a 72.960% and Kathleen Raine (USA) and Breanna coming in third on a 72.420%.
Petersen and Mariett are no strangers to the winner's circle this season, as this is the duo's fourth win in Large Tour classes in Wellington in 2015. In true form, the pair performed another nearly flawless test to bring home some of the highest marks they have received in a Grand Prix yet this season.
"We've got it all wrong, she's getting younger and younger and I'm just getting older and older, that's how I think it really is," joked Petersen when asked about the mare's 17 years of age. "The thing now, at this stage, is what you do at home before you go to the show. I don't practice that much. I just focus on keeping her loose, fit, and in good condition."
Gundersen, who has also had a very successful beginning to the 2015 season on My Lady, had another great test under the lights with the mare as their scores continue to improve. "She loves this atmosphere, and I know she will be even better tomorrow," she said. "I'm really happy with where I am. Looking at the starting list for this class, there are some very big names and I would have been happy to end up in the top five. Finishing where I did is really just a dream."
Just back from a five-month trip in Europe, Kathleen Raine and Breanna had a strong showing for the first competition back on U.S. soil since June 2014. "I was thrilled with my ride tonight. We had a few little mistakes, but she was super consistent and she handled the atmosphere great," she stated. "I'm really happy with how she's doing. I think the experience in Europe really helped her. She's much more mature."
It was Raine's first experience competing in Wellington and she was impressed with not only the facility, but also the quality of footing, as both Petersen and Gundersen agreed. "I'm not only so impressed by this facility, but the way the footing held up today throughout all of the rain we got early in the day was truly amazing. I was just so impressed with how well it was taken care of today with the weather," Raine said.
America's long time number one Grand Prix rider Steffen Peters and his top horse Legolas (by Laomedon x Florestan II) uncharacteristically made a number of errors with issues in the piaffe and finished 7th with 71.220%.
Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
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