Big numbers at Caledon Equestrian Park as luck of the Irish finally runs out

After two weeks of dominance by Lothlorien Farm and its pair of outstanding Irish-born riders, a few Canadians found themselves atop the standings during the second phase of the Classic @ Palgrave last week.

The first two weeks of the outdoor season at Caledon Equestrian Park saw Conor Swail, and Lothlorien teammate Daniel Coyle, claim all seven of the first showcase classes of 2016.

That streak ended in week three, starting with Orangeville’s Kim Farlinger claiming victory of the $10,000 Open Welcome, presented by Sprucewood, on Friday aboard Stanley Stone, owned by Sher-Al Farm.

Kimberley Farlinger and Sher-Al Farms' Stanley Stone, and Sprucewood Tack Shop representatives Nathan and Rachel Ropp after winning the $10,000 Open Welcome. Photo Courtesy of Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Farlinger’s win is especially notable, given that she suffered a serious knee injury during the southern winter show season. Her mount, Stanley Stone, is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood Gelding.

On Saturday, Acton’s Scott McKay and Cacharel — owned by Donna Vanderwoude-Dyment — took home the winning title of the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix, presented by Equestrian Factory Outlet.

Scott McKay and Donna Vanderwoude-Dymant's Cacharel in the $15,000 Open Welcome. Photo Courtesy of Ben Radvanyi Photography.

McKay and Cacharel bested a field of 23 that saw nine riders move on to the jump off. Swail and his winning mount in week two, Ariana, beat McKay’s time of 52.88, but took down a rail to pave the way for the win.

Sunday’s $30,000 Grand Prix, presented by Stonewood Management, was a thrilling affair with the field of 24 riders putting on a show for the packed house.

Eight riders conquered the preliminary round to move on to the jump off. It was a game of inches until Quebec’s Francois Lamontagne and his horse Chanel du Calvaire turned out a stunning ride.

Spectators held their breath as Lamontagne and Chanel du Calvaire, who were last to go in the jump off, blazed through the second round and blazed past the other seven finalists by over three seconds.

Francois Lamontagne and Chanel du Calvaire riding for the win in the $30,000 presented by Stonewood Management. Photo Courtesy of Ben Radvanyi Photography.

“My ride wasn’t really what I wanted, it wasn’t as precise and nice as I wanted, but (my horse) is really careful and she jumped it clear,” said Lamontagne. “I was last to go in the jump off and thought that it might not be pretty. There were so many people who went fast, so I knew I had to take a shot.”

“(Chanel du Calvaire) is eight years old, so she’s just getting up to this level. We showed here last September and she was a bit green for this, she had one down pretty much every time,” he added. “I showed her this winter in the metre-thirty fives, metre forties, and she’s just now getting there. We won a Grand Prix in Jacksonville and now this one, so that’s two in just a couple of months.”

Saturday also featured the $1,500 Longrun Thoroughbred Hunter Challenge, presented by Chiefswood Stable and the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.

Nineteen entries took part in what was a record turnout for this class at The Caledon Equestrian Park. The Thoroughbred Hunter Challenge is a flourishing series that not only gives amateurs and beginners a chance to compete on a bigger stage, but also gives retired racehorses a second chance to shine in the spotlight as show horses.

“It was created for the thoroughbred horses that have nowhere to go after they’re done their racing careers. Some of them need a job, so they become hunters and (the class) is there to entice them into the hunter ring,” said course designer Jennifer Ferguson.

The class has been a staple at the park for a number of years, but Ferguson said this season’s format is a little different.

“In the past we’ve done two rounds and the top 10 would come back for a second round, then their two scores would be combined. This year we’re trying a one-round format and they seem to like it.”

“It went very well. There were some really, really nice rounds and some of the horses could compete at a really high level anywhere,” added Ferguson.

Deborah Weir and her own Red October from the Longrun Thoroughbred Challenge. Photo Courtesy of Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Deborah Weir took home top prize on her steed Red October. Second was awarded to Robin Hannah-Carlton and Prodigioso — owned by Marilyn Lee Hannah. Evin Ballantyne with Chilly, owned by Sarah Banbury, rounded out the top three.

The conclusion of The Classic @ Palgrave-Phase 2, marked a three very successful, nearly sold-out weeks at The Caledon Equestrian Park.

Up next equine fans will be treated to a little world-class Dressage action with Cornerstone Farms’ Spring into Dressage event, taking place June 3-5, 2016. That will be followed by the Pickering Horse Centre’s Trillium at Palgrave show, which will run June 10-12, 2016.

Visit caledonequestrianpark.com for the full-season schedule.

Results – Classic @ Palgrave Phase II (Horse/Owner/Rider)

$10,000 Open Welcome, presented by Sprucewood (May 27)