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Morrissey Loses His Top Horse but American Riders are Hopeful

Estoril, Portugal - July 22, 2006 - When Ludo Philippaerts crossed the finish line on Parco in the fastest time in the 1.50 meter jump-off round he punched the air in delight. Naturally those watching thought, "how nice that he is jubilant." While this was true we later learned that not only was he glad about his victory but about beating his fellow Belgian countryman Dirk Demeersman aboard Clinton. It was Demeersman's time of 40.54 seconds that Philippaerts shaved mere fractions off of to finish in 39.72.

Philippaerts later explained, "He beat me last week in the Grand Prix at the Belgian international show. I was first to go and we were really quick and he came at the end and beat me. This morning, I told him if you go clear I am going to beat you today."

And that's exactly what the Belgian did. In the end Demeersman would have to settle for third because when Jessica Kurten entered the ring on Castle Forbes Maike, she was going for it, but her 40.48 seconds sandwiched her between the two Belgians.

1.45 METER INTERNATIONAL CLASS

In the 1.45 meter class it was Michel Hecart from France whose horse's name spoke the truth. That's Life was in top form and took the final lead in the speed class timing out at 54.99 seconds. Again it was Kurtens who would happily settle for second place, a position she also held in the World Cup in Malaysia a few months earlier.

Hecart was third in Cannes Global Championship aboard Itot du Chateau. This time that combination had 8 faults in their first round and "that's life!"

Michel was happy with his win and with his horse. With his French accent clearly visible he said, "I have a great horse. He's very respectful and courageous."

When asked how it feels to win Michel commented "tres bien, it is great to win first place."

THE AMERICAN RIDERS - DOING THE BEST THEY CAN DO

While our American riders weren't having a lot of luck they were still pleased. The biggest disappointment happened just before the 1.50 class when Michael Morrissey was warming up Crelido, his somewhat new mount who he has high hopes for. They were taking a jump in the schooling ring when the world turned upside down literally as Crelido eliminated one stride and attempted to jump the fence from too far away.

"We flipped over at the first jump I was going to. He left a stride early and totally didn't make it even over the front rail. He got distracted. There was a shadow in front of the jump," explained Morrissey. Fortunately both the horse and rider were able to walk away from the incident. "I came off as well but I am fine - a little sore. The vet has looked my horse over but hasn't found anything." Even though there was nothing obvious to be concerned about Morrissey felt it best not to take any chances and has chosen to allow his horse to rest, just in case. If he felt bruised, his horse probably felt a bit sore as well.

While there were no more major mishaps the American horses and riders had faults in all their rounds. Both Robin Sweely on Coming Star and Megan Lamaze on Chardo had 8 faults in the 1.45 meter class. In the 1.50 Morrissey on Crabamboli and Lamaze on Ollandaise would continue with two more 8 fault rounds but things were a bit worse for Sweely and Qarco vt Merelsnest. At the seventh fence her horse really knocked the back rail of a wide oxer so hard that they ended up circling right after that jump. Between faults and time they totaled 20 penalty points.

"My horse was a lot too fresh and so he was too strong and I didn't have the rideability I needed," explained Sweely. "He jumped the jump so poorly I needed to regroup," she added about the Belgian bred gelding. "He's had three weeks off."

Yet Sweely wasn't dismayed because past experience has shown that Qarco gets better as the week progresses.

She went on to explain her 8 fault first round saying "My horse (Coming Star) is very green because he hasn't shown a lot. He had the first two jumps down and after that he jumped very well."

Even with her two 8 fault rounds Lamaze was pleased with her mounts. "My horse (Chardo) jumped really good. He jumped the first part really well and at the end had two verticals down. I think he ran out of steam but I was very happy with him,"

She further explained that Ollandaise "peeked at the liverpool and had it down and then coming into the last double she was a bit strong. Overall I wasn't disappointed with her performance and she usually gets better the more rounds she does."

Michael made it all the way to the end of the course before he had any rails down where two fell at the last three jumps. "He (Crabamboli) was good until the end. The last line was difficult. He is so big and has such a big stride and didn't execute it correctly," he said about the part of the course that worked better for a shorter strided horse." Yet, just like the other two riders he was ready to move on. And in his case it was a matter of switching gears since his original plan was to ride Crelido in the Sunday Global Champions Tour final class.

"My game plan has changed. My #2 horse has to step up and he will do the grand prix this week."

All the riders praised the Global Champions Tour.

"I think it is great," said Megan. "I only did the show in Florida and this one. It seems like everyone has been pleased with it. I knew this was a really nice show and I'm happy I came."

Both Robin and Michael have done all of the Global Champions Tour shows and both agree they are fabulous. "You've got great venues and really good show jumping with the top riders in the world. The money is good. I don't have anything negative to say about the whole tour," said Sweely.

"It's only helping the sport," added Michael.

Now these riders are preparing for Sunday. "I want to have a nice round tomorrow and hope for the best on Sunday," commented Megan. "Once you are here there is not much you change."

Robin noted, "I am going to show both of my horses tomorrow since they are not quite in the groove and hope for the best on Sunday."

For Michael he'll be taking the day off with both his horses. Crelido will rest to recuperate while Crabamboli needs to stay perked. "He runs out of gas pretty easy," explained Michael while Megan jokingly added. "You have to get a tow truck..."

Tomorrow the format is very similar to today in that there will be a 1.45 and a 1.50 class for the International riders. Today's classes started with 56 and 45 riders but it is expected that a number of the riders will rest their horses for a day in order to have them fresh for the most important event of the week. While these other classes offer significantly prize money, only Sunday's class counts for the final Global Champions Tour point standings.

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