Simone Pearce & Destano Smash Aussie Grand Prix Record at Brno CDI3* for Pair’s First Big Tour Victory

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Simone Pearce and Destano. File photo. © 2020 Michail Rzepa

BRNO, Czech Republic, AUG. 28, 2020–Simone Pearce rode Destano to an Australian record Grand Prix score at the CDI3* in Brno, Czech Republic Friday for their first Big Tour victory and smashing the high the pair set just a month ago.

Simone and the 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion were awarded 76.261%, breaking the previous Aussie Grand Prix record of 74.152% that the Germany-based combination posted in last month. Two of the five judges gave marks of above 77%, one close to 77%, another 75.652% and the fifth 73.913%.

Libuse Mencke of the Czech Republic on Syrio placed second on 67.870% with Austria’s Christian Schumach on Sinclair Jason third on 67.522%.

The 29-year-old Simone and Destano (Desperados FRH x Brentano II), owned by Gestüt Sprehe where she is the trainer, began their international CDI career in mid-March and Friday’s competition was the fifth start since resumption of top sport in late June. Simone is also named on the ownership that would be required to represent Australia at the Olympics in Tokyo next summer.

The results make Simone and Destano the leading partnership for the Australian team for Tokyo, based on results from three CDIs in Australia before the coronavirus-triggered break. The Australian equestrian federation, undergoing a major overhaul, has not yet released new selection procedures for the 2021 Olympics.

The Australian pair also set a new Grand Prix Special record of 74.617% at the Austrian competition in July, and is schedule to start in the Special here Saturday.

Results:

CDI3* Grand Prix

Judges: E-Simona FIALOVA (CZE) H: Ilja Vietor (SVK) C-Elke Ebert (GER) M-Susanne BAARUP (DEN) B-Thomas LANG (AUT)