Dressage-News

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

 CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle