Press release from International Bromont

Irishman Michael Hutchinson with Nektarina B gets ahead of Leslie Howard and Donna Speciale in the second FEI sanctioned event at the 44th edition of International Bromont held at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.  

Only five pairs qualified for the second round of the event on a course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. With 12 obstacles for 15 efforts, including a triple combination at the end, the course presented interesting technical challenges.

The last line of the course, back to the entrance gate with a triple combination followed by a narrow vertical in front of the stone, was particularly difficult for the athletes. In fact, the short approach following a tight turn, combined with finding the right distance, required a solid partnership between rider and horse. First to execute a clear round, Canadian Ali Ramsay was joined for the jump-off by Leslie Burr Howard (USA), winner of the opening event yesterday, her two horses, Israel's Alberto Michan, as well as Irishman Michael Hutchinson.

Back for the second round with Casino, Ali Ramsay executes a double clear in a respectable time of 43.44 seconds. Second in the ring, Leslie Burr Howard changes the equation executing a second perfect round with Donna Speciale in 41.68 seconds, thus putting pressure on the following competitors. Alberto Michan and El Pacho go for broke, but cannot beat Howard. Michael Hutchinson then comes in the ring with Nektarina B, a 14-year-old Holsteiner mare, owned by Candy Tribble. Right away, they start at an infernal pace enjoying each hundred of a second gained, getting close to the time to beat and stop the chronometer at just 41.22 seconds and take the lead.