Pilar Lucrecia Cordon and Coriana Van Klapscheut. PC: Power Sports Images
Hong Kong – February 10, 2017 – Most of the riders treated the EEM Trophy as a warm-up ride, an occasion for them and their horses to take in the atmosphere of the competition and the public. But others decided to go all in on the first hand and let themselves be driven by the warm welcome from the diehard Hong Kong fans.
Coriana van Klapscheut, a 15-year old Belgian Warmblood mare with an esteemed history in the sport, was the winner of this first class after a long comeback. Once ridden by Canada’s Eric Lamaze, with whom she participated in the Pan Americans Games and a World Cup finale, the mare arrived in Spaniard Pilar Lucrecia Cordon’s stables in 2012.
Pilar in the Winners Circle. PC: Power Sports Images
After a successful European Championship in Norway and another World Cup Finale, the chestnut experienced quite a slump for two years due to a severe injury. Pilar even thought about retiring her.
“We had to put a screw in her left hind hock, and it had been a year she hadn’t jumped, because of the operation. I had so many problems with her that I thought about retiring her, but step by step, she came back. True this victory was quite easy, but it feels so good. She knows the job so well, she was exceptional, I’m really happy”.
Roger Yves Bost and Pegase de Murier. PC: Power Sports Images
The Hermès rider can fully enjoy her win, especially as she wins with a one second lead over another great champion, France’s Roger-Yves Bost. Teasing Pilar a little bit in the warm-up, Bosty added, “Did I scare you? But I slowed down in the last line to let you win!”
Only three women have enlisted in the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, but they have started their weekend off in the best way possible; Third place went to Jane Richard Phillips of Switzerland riding Zekina Z, also a mare.
Jane Richards Phillips and Zekina Z. PC: Power Sports Images
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