Cindy Ishoy & Proton Win Grand Prix in Olympic Selection Trial # 1

Source :  Equestrian Connection

Cindy Ishoy and Proton came out on top in the Grand Prix class today at the first of two final Canadian Dressage Olympic selection trials being held this weekend York Equestrian Centre, Cedar Valley Ontario.

Today’s competition was the first time the 5 Olympic contenders had the opportunity for head-to-head competition in order to determine who will join Leslie Reid & Mark on Canada’s Olympic dressage team heading to Athens. Reid & Deryol Andrews’ Mark have already been named to the Olympic team having earned an automatic bye earlier this year.

Evi Strasser and Quantum Tyme started the competition by riding a solid test displaying tight pirouettes and earning a score of 64.542% from the panel of international judges.

Jacqueline M. Brooks was next in the ring on Gran Gesto, owned by Brinc Ltd. and Anne Welch. The nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding showed off his expressive gaits to the judges. However mistakes in the one tempis and a loss of canter in the pirouettes put them behind Strasser with a score of 62.958%.

Ashley Holzer and her Dutch Warmblood stallion Imperioso began their test in the sunshine and ended in a shower of rain mixed with hail. However the duo, who were part of the team that won Canada an Olympic berth during the 2003 European Championships at Hickstead England, persevered and executed an obedient and mistake-free test which gave them 66.625%. Although one could argue that the chestnut stallion could have shown more vibrancy in his gaits, his pirouettes showed a great lowering of the haunches and a real 'sitting' action.

Entering the trials in top qualifying position, Cindy Ishoy and Proton continued to raise the bar when they rode an energetic and fluid test and were rewarded with 69.292% that would prove to be unbeatable. Their test was highlighted by very forward and correct changes.

Fellow trial contestant Belinda Trussell, recently returning to Canada after a successful show tour in Europe, came close when they also put in an energetic performance highlighted by fluid and elastic half-passes and receiving 68.708%. The piaffe and passage tour was solid although could have shown more height, and Royan II demonstrated that he has no problems carrying weight on his hindquarters in the pirouettes.

Competition will continue to heat up as the contenders prepare for Saturday night which will feature the Grand Prix Freestyle and Grand Prix Speciale. However the scores achieved in these classes will not be tabulated in the selection trial results. The evening’s performances is part of the show’s Dressage Gala with proceeds going towards supporting Canada’s Olympic Dressage Team. Tickets are available at the door for $15 each.

Results: Final Selection Trial # 1 – Grand Prix June 18th, 2004 1. Cindy Ishoy & Proton – 69.292%
2. Belinda Trussell & Royan II – 68.708%
3. Ashley Holzer & Imperioso – 66.625%
4. Evi Strasser & Quantum Tyme – 64.542%
5. Jacqueline M. Brooks & Gran Gesto – 62.958%

The judging panel for today’s competition in the CDI*** included Stephen Clarke FEI “O” (GBR), Isabel Judet “O” (FRA), Elizabeth McMullen “O” (CAN), Angelika Froemming “I” (GER) and Maribel de Quinzanos “I” (MEX).

The final selection will be tabulated as follows:
- The average of Grand Prix scores received in order to qualify for the first selection trial: 33%
- Grand Prix score from Trial # 1 (York Equestrian Centre): 33%
- Grand Prix score from Trial # 2 (Blainville Equestrian Park) : 34%

Upon completion of the final selection trials June 30th - July 3rd in Blainville Quebec, Dressage Canada’s High Performance Committee will announce the results of the team selection standings in descending order of the final score totals.

Dressage joins Eventing as the one of only 2 equestrian disciplines where Canada has earned a team Olympic berth. Jumping will be sending one individual. Keep tuned to www.DressageCanada.org as the Athens Olympic countdown continues.

With files from Dressage Canada