Articles: Press Release
Steffen Peters and Ravel Shine at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Final with a
Convincing Win in the Grand Prix
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009
By Joanie Morris
Las Vegas, NV Steffen Peters always knew how good Ravel was. After the
11-year-old Dutch geldings performance in the Rolex FEI World Cup Final
Grand Prix, he stamped himself as one of the best dressage horses on the
globe. Beating nine-time (and defending) World Cup champion Anky van
Grunsven (on IPS Painted Black) and Isabell Werth (on Satchmo) in the
process, Peters won with a commanding score of 77.914%
With the highest score of Ravels career, the nearly black gelding brought
down the house at the Thomas & Mack Arena, with a performance that was
legendary. Ravel, who is owned by Aikiko Ymazaki, was focused, relaxed and
brilliant in the ring. Peters made no mistakes, but still credits the horse
with the win.
I have to give Ravel all the credit to Ravel, said Peters, who lives in San
Diego. He made me look good. He offered all the movements and I didnt have
to push him too hard.
Ravels extended canters were so powerful that a ripple of sound went through
the crowd with each one, by the time the pair turned down the center line
for the final time, the fans couldnt contain themselves and the applause and
cheering began before the final salute. Peters (who picked up a Rolex watch
with his win) was in awe of his horses performance.
Its obviously hard to describe how I feel, said Peters after his ride. The
support from the crowd was incredible. I just kept looking up at the score a
few more times to make sure it was for real. I guess it is for real.
The score was more than three points clear of van Grunsven, who scored
74.170, making it clear that this horse was for real too.
Saturdays Freestyle competition stands on its own to crown the Champion and
Peters is not going to change his plan despite his success today.
It is very important not to change your routine, said Peters. It will depend
how far Ravel allows me to push him. If he offers the same as today, we
might be in good shape. But I know what these ladies are capable of.
Van Grunsven and Werth are two of the toughest competitors in dressage
history, and Peters knows he will have to stay on his game to win it all.
The Freestyle is the second and final part of the Dressage World Cup Final
and it begins Saturday night at 7.00 pm.
The day got off to a disappointing start for the US dressage riders, Jan
Ebeling and Rafalca were the lead off combination for the entire Grand
Prix. Rafalca, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Ann Romney and Beth
Meyer, was clearly unsettled by the environment and atmosphere in the
arena. She wasnt alone. The venue is very intimate and many horses were
spooking at the judges and the crowds in such close proximity. The mare was
fractious in the beginning and Ebeling gave her a sympathetic ride and
coaxed her through the test. He found some relief in the canter, but was
disappointed with his score of 53.915%.
Making the situation more dire is the fact that under FEI rules, a rider
needs a minimum score of 58% in the Grand Prix to move onto the Freestyle.
The story was no better for Leslie Morse.
Morse could not have been more pleased with Kingston in the schooling
session on Wednesday or in the warm-up before her test. Second in the ring,
there were high hopes for Morse and her (and Laura Petroffs) beloved
17-year-old stallion.
But when she turned the first corner there was clearly an unbalanced step,
within moments, the stoic horse was not right in the left front leg and the
Ground Jury promptly and rightfully rung the bell signaling her to
stop. Morse dismounted and left the arena.
It was the right thing to do, said Morse. We all agreed it was best for him.
Dr. Rick Mitchell, who is the Dressage veterinarian for the US horses, said
there was no problem in the left front leg leading up to the competition and
will fully work the horse up to determine the cause of the discomfort and
treat him accordingly.
The Rolex FEI World Cup action continues tonight at 7pm with the opening
round of Jumping the Speed class. The US has 12 chances to double up on
wins.
ENDS
For complete results, please see: www.worldcuplasvegas.com.
For blogs, pictures and video please see: www.clubequestrian.com.
Please contact Joanie Morris with questions at jmorris@usef.or.
The attached photo is of Steffen Peters and Ravel. Please credit Shannon
Peters and use only with this release.
The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation is to provide
leadership
for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the
pursuit
of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a
foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare
of its human and equine athletes.
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