Sam Pegg rides Shaia de Macheco to victory in $20,000 Grand Prix in first phase of Caledon Premier a
Sam Pegg and Shaia de Macheco closed out the first phase of the Caledon Premier at Caledon Equestrian Park on Sunday in style, with an impressive victory in the $20,000 Grand Prix, presented by Greenhawk.
Sam Pegg aboard Shaia de Macheco negotiating the course. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography
Pegg, who hails from Cannington, Ont., was one of eight riders in a starting field of 26 to make it through to the second round.
Canadian course designer, Chris Brandt, built a challenging course that saw the first 10 competitors struggle with the time allowed, three of whom managed to go clear with a single time fault.
“I think the time allowed was a little snug and maybe caught some people — including me and my other horse — by surprise to start with early in the class. We (eventually) figured out where to drop strides and then there turned out to be eight clears,” said Pegg, who had two entries in the Grand Prix.
Pegg and Shaia de Macheco, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood, were second to go in the jump off following eventual runners-up Quincy Hayes and Valcaro de Preuilly, beating their impressive time out of the gate by a little under a half a second. None of the remaining six competitors would come close to catching them.
“I know Shaia is a fast horse, and Quincy had a nice round (to start off the jump-off). I know I don’t always have to push (Shaia) to try to catch up with some of the other ones. I tried to keep the turns tight and keep up on the numbers out of the end of the ring. Shaia’s naturally quick when she lands, so I don’t really feel like I have to rush all the time with her,” added Pegg following the win.
Tanya Schouteten representing Greenhawk presenting Sam Pegg and Shaia de Macheco
with awards for their win. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Brantford’s Hyde Moffat, who had five entries in the Grand Prix, rode his mount Granturo and Ariel Grange’s Grafton to third and fourth place, respectively.
Moffat and Coeur de Lion II — owned by Renee Marquis Antle — were big winners earlier in the week. The pair claimed victory in Friday’s $10,000 Open Welcome, presented by Leon's Furniture, besting a starting field of 37 competitors for the win. Hugh Graham and Airborne were second in the class, with Pegg and Hilda rounding out the top-three finishers in that one.
Hilary Donaldson of Leon's Furniture present awards to Hyde Moffat and
Renee Marquis Antle's Coeur de Lion II. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Over in the hunter rings, Sunday saw Kristjan Good dominate in the $3,000 Canadian Hunter Derby, presented by Purina. He would earn both first and second place in the class atop 'Round Midnight and Stakkato Grande W, respectively. Ella Davison and California placed third with Canadian Jennifer Ferguson served as course designer for the Derby.
Alison McDougall of Purina make award presentations to Kristjan Good and 'Round Midnight for their win of the $3000 Hunter Derby Presented by Purina. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Kristjan Good aboard Stakkato Grande W.
California being ridden to third place honours by Ella Davidson.
On Saturday, Celeste Caskanette and Glenhaven Pick Me won the $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic. Leanna Lazzari and Cherrybrook Just Blue By placed second, with Ella Davison and Northwind Crispin claiming the white ribbon.
Celeste Caskanette and Glenhaven Pick Me won the $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic.
Coming up next at Caledon Equestrian Park is the Ontario Show Horse Classic running July 13-15. That will be followed by the first annual Caledon Salute to Dressage CDI3* from July 20-22.
Visit www.caledonequestrianpark.com for a full listing of upcoming events and results from previous shows.
