Galway Downs Eventing Final Results

If the Galway Downs Three Day Event had been a horse race, the track announcer would have said, "And the winner in our CCI**, who led wire to wire, is Debbie Rosen and Gringosch!" Rosen only added four penalties to her dressage score of 51.60 when the pair lowered a single rail in the stadium jumping phase. "This is our first two star win, and we was very exuberant in the jog this morning. He was feeling great!" said Rosen of her win.

Rosen plans to do an Advanced event in March in order to aim for a CCI*** in the fall. Rosen credits Brian Sabo for his help throughout her eventing career. When Sabo can not attend a show, she gets coached by Gina Economou. Rosen spotted Gringosch on a video, but when she contacted the owner in order to buy the horse, the owner insisted Rosen come to Germany to make sure the horse was a suitable match. Rosen keeps in touch with the owner and could not wait to call with her exciting news.

In the competition for the Fritz Cup by the Young Riders (ages 16-21) in the CCI**, Lauren Whitlock had a two point lead after the cross country phase. However, two rails in the stadium jumping opened the door for India McEvoy who jumped right through. Even though McEvoy dropped a rail with Seamus, they hung on for the win. "He is kind of deceiving in his looks," said McEvoy of her 14 year old Thoroughbred. "He is not the kind of horse that looks like he can do it all. He is long backed, but he has the biggest heart and will always try to do his best." Eighth in last year's CCI* at Galway, McEvoy really likes competing at the facility.

Barbara Crabo hung on for the win in the CCI* with Groovy. Other than two time penalties in their otherwise clear cross country round, the pair garnered no more penalty points. They finished with a score of 44.40. "He didn't take a bad step all weekend," said an enthusiastic Crabo. "He felt so good it was like we were going around a novice course." Crabo has her eye on moving up to Intermediate and then next year's CCI**. To help reach that goal she is planning to attend a jumping clinic with world famous horseman George Morris.

Josh Barnacle was a little nervous heading into the stadium jumping phase as Florestan du Serin has had trouble with this phase all year. Barnacle left all the rails up and only added one time penalty to his score to hold on to second and the lead in the Junior Rider competition. Only half a point behind Barnacle was Dayna Lynd Pugh aboard Zillion. The pair kept the pressure on the leaders and finished third. "I was worried about stadium," said Pugh "because the ring is so large and open, but it was nice because of all the turns. The hardest part of the course was the Jaguar oxer to the triple combination."

Many of the riders were thrilled to have a quality three day event on the West Coast. "Galway Downs has really filled a hole," added Pugh. "Now we don't have to go back east every year. However," she added "you better come to Galway with a prepared horse and having done your homework."

Riders were treated with fabulous weather throughout the competition. In addition, the many spectator activities during the weekend added to the festive environment. Event Organizer, Robert Kellerhouse was very pleased with the entire production. He hopes word will spread about the Galway Downs Events and remains committed to providing West Coast riders with places they can prepare their horses without having to always make the trek east for the bigger events.

For more information and complete results, go towww.galwaydowns.com

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