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Alison Robitaille is victorious in the $36,500 Grand Prix qualifier at Rancho Murieta

Friday, 06 October 2017
CSI3*-W Rancho Murieta 2017

Photo (c) Alden Corrigan. Alison Robitaille and Serise du Bidou. Photo (c) Alden Corrigan.

USA's Alison Robitaille and Serise du Bidou, (Gin Tonic Star x Fusain du Defey) last to enter the ring and the only double clear, were delighted with their Grand Prix win Thursday evening. Robitaille has only been riding this mare, owned by her parents Bertram and Diana Firestone, for eight months. 

Robitaille explained, "I really haven't had many jump-off's with her and we've really started to click this last few months. Serise du Bidou has really become a great horse for me, I feel really fortunate. It is always lucky to go last in a jump-off, especially with no one else being clear. I trusted my horse was going to go clean so I didn't take the risky inside cuts, and it paid off."

The time allowed in the jump-off was set at 42 seconds, this provided Robitaille the opportunity to have up to 3 time faults and still win the class. They set a strong pace and were well within the required time. "I didn't want to get a bunch of time faults and she is happier going at a little bit of a roll anyway." said Robitaille.

Forty seven entries competed, all with the goal of qualification for Saturdays $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Sacramento, presented by Lasher's Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Canada's Keean White and Corette (Lupicor x Clinton) finished in 2nd place with 4 penalties and 33.86 seconds on the clock, closely followed by USA's Mandy Porter and Milano (Orlando x Pomme Royal) again with 4 penalties and 34.38 seconds in the jump-off.

Robitaille is keen to take part in Saturday's class. Robitaille explained, "I am very much looking forward to the weekend, it is my first time here at this horse show and today has been a great way to start things off. It is really lovely here at the Murieta Equestrian Center, it's has very nice footing and it is great to try and qualify for a World Cup™ Final in an event like this where it is like being at the World Cup Finals."


Source: Press release from West Palms Event Management // Picture © Alden Corrigan



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