Canada’s Diane Creech on Chrevis Christo Wins Devon CDI3* Grand Prix Special, Michael Bragdell on Qredit Hilltop Takes World Cup Freestyle, Both Posting Double Victories

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Diane Creech and Chrevis Christo. File photo. © 2021 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

DEVON, Pennsylvania, Oct. 2, 2021–Diane Creech on Chrevis Christo won the CDI3* Grand Prix Special Saturday night and with Michael Bragdell on the American-bred Qredit Hilltop, winner of the World Cup Freestyle, both earned double victories at Dressage at Devon.

Diane and the 18-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding scored 69.659% for the win following the first place finish in the Grand Prix Friday.

Diane and Chevis Christo, owned by Louise Leatherdale of Long Lake, Minnesota, have started more than 40 times since beginning Big Tour six years ago.

Colombia’s María Alejandra Aponte González on Duke de Niro placed second on 66.745%.

Michael Bragdell rode Qredit Hilltop (Quaterback x Dream of Glory) and bred by Judy Yancey, to victory on a score of 72.995% in only their second Big Tour musical performance.

Michael and the 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion won the short Grand Prix Friday night to kick off the first of eight North American League qualifiers for the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany next April. The coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation for the past two years of the annual championship centered on the Freestyle.

The only previous freestyle for Michael of Colora, Maryland and Qredit was at this same show grounds two years ago when the pair began Big Tour.

Susanne Hamilton, who splits her competition schedule between Maine and Florida, placed second on Lesath with a score of 71.075%.

Shannon Stevens of Annandale, New Jersey and Ferrari were third on 70.990%%.

With fewer than eight starting combinations, a reduced number of points were awarded for this competition.

Two more World Cup qualifiers will be staged at both the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida and Thermal, California this year and three at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida over the winter.

Results:

CDI3* Grand Prix Special

Judges: Hans-Christian Matthiesen Janet Lee Foy William Warren Cesar Lopardo Grana Natacha Waddell
Place Score Nation Athlete Horse E H C M B
1. 69.659 CAN Diane Creech Chrevis Christo 69.149 70.957 68.723 70.851 68.617
2. 66.745 COL María Alejandra Aponte González Duke De Niro 68.298 65.957 65.106 67.234 67.128
3. 64.574 USA Koryn Doolittle Don Giovanni 63.085 65.957 64.255 66.383 63.191
4. 62.447 CAN Tanya Strasser-Shostak Déjà Vu Tyme 63.83 63.404 59.574 63.298 62.128

 

 CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle

Judges:
Natacha Waddell Hans-Christian Matthiesen Christof Umbach Cesar Torrente Janet Lee Foy
Place Score Nation Athlete Horse E H C M B
1. 72.995 USA Michael Bragdell Qredit Hilltop 71.600 73.325 75.150 72.775 72.125
2. 71.075 USA Susanne Hamilton Lesath 69.475 72.825 68.900 69.875 74.300
3. 70.990 USA Shannon Stevens Ferrari 71.350 72.500 68.750 72.325 70.025
4. 69.270 USA Bridget Hay Faolan 68.375 68.025 69.500 69.025 71.425
5. 67.935 USA Jannike Gray Giraldillo CEN 66.900 68.975 67.725 68.100 67.975
6. 67.565 USA Kymberly Pullen Hot Date 68.725 65.425 65.825 66.625 71.225