On Thursday evening, Angelstone Tournaments held the first Headwater’s Open Welcome class of the year, with a total of 39 entries looking to capture that $35, 000 prize. With only five entries coming back for the jump-off out of a large opening track, the riders returning for the second round knew they we’re certainly safe in the ribbons, but not safe to win. Carly Campbell-Cooper rode a beautiful early track in the class, heading into the ring second behind Kevin Crosby and mount, Stanley Stone who opened the class with eight faults. Right out of the gate, riders second and third in the order, Carly Campbell-Cooper and Susan Horn aboard their gray steeds of steel Fiero Van Orti and LillyFee reigned the faultless champions until the 21st horse, Zindiloma and Sean Jobin entered the Main Stadium. The female showdown of just two became three after Jobin sped through the track with his bay mare Thursday evening. Not long after Sean promised an exciting jump-off, Kim Farlinger and her dependable mount Charming Force B entered 30th in the line-up to join her fellow competitors in a difficult second round. And if Farlinger’s great first round ride didn’t secure the small opening for members headed to the jump-off, Quebec-native Francois Lamontagne who rode second last in the order knew there was one more spot left for him to fill.
Come to the jump-off, the gals came out swinging. LillyFee and Susan Horn earned a spotless title to their FEI day, leaving the Main Stadium absolutely faultless last night. Slower in time, but still finishing in great standing, Zindiloma and Sean Jobin finished their second round with another clear go, but just not fast enough to beat Horn’s early efficiency over her second track. It wasn’t until the man of the hour, Francois Lamontagne, entered as the last ride of Thursday evening, where he was looking to prove Susan Horn’s early time of 41.54 could be beaten. And sure enough, Lamontagne’s mare Chanel Du Calvaire listened and cleared each fence in a timely 41.537 to beat Horn’s effort of 41.542…That is .01 of a second apart! It was an exciting finish to an early rainy start at Angelstone, but rest assured, the competition remained stiff and exciting even until that last horse. We are so excited about the results of last night’s event and hope more close call’s like we just witnessed continue to shock our devoted crowd!
