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Wilhelm Genn & Chantal - Gulfcoast 25k Nutrena Prix
Closing out the third week of exciting show jumping action was Sunday afternoon’s $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix with a highly energized field of 28 competitors ready to take on Steve Stephens’ technical 13 obstacle [16 effort] course in less than the allotted 93 seconds. Second in the order of go, Amanda Flint of Tewksbury, NJ aboard the Kathleen Kamine entry Texas Hold’Em were the first pair clear in 90.357. Following was Wilhelm Genn with Happy Z who ensured a jump off with a clear ride of 86.350. The 8th in the order Denise Wilson brought Life is Life 15 clean for owner Blue Gate Farm in 88.860. Also joining the party was Magnolia, TX based Tony Font aboard the YZ Partners LLC owned Gardenio in 88.730 and fellow Texan Whitney Owens of San Antonio riding the DS Holdings entry Santina H to a clear time of 84.820. As the first round closed Wilhelm Genn had managed to add three more mounts to the jump off, Copyright 3 (owned by Genn) in 86.976, Loredo owned by Michela Kennedy in 87.760, and Chantal for owner Laura Ryan-Barnaclo in 87.022. In all nine horses would advance to the final round.
When asked how, given his horses’ continued triumphs week after week, Genn manages to keep his string of mounts in tune and so sound the pro said, “Simple- not over jumping. They maybe jump 35 to 40 classes during a whole year. Not really a lot in comparison to how many some others go into. Given that I know my horses so well, I don’t usually jump extra classes during a week- unless it’s the first time I’ve been to a show, then I’ll take each into one class to get them accustom to the new ring. And then I just do the Welcomes and Grand Prix. Often only a Welcome if they need a warm-up.” He went on to explain further scenarios such as multi week events, like their arrival in Gulfport, meant rotating the horses so that each gets a week off to relax. “The first week here they all took off. And I vary their schedules- one week some will only do the Prix or a level class but with no jump off round. We also do a lot of flatting, conditioning them –good feeding program and balancing all that’s in their best interest.” Genn said.
Coming into the 8 fence [10 effort] finale Genn’s “conditioning” certainly came into play with bending lines and the need to be airy, as evidenced by the curve into and over the #9 triple bar and a short few strides to the #10 skinny plank vertical. Amanda Flint and Texas Hold’Em survived the dreaded plank and posted the first clear run in 55.650-nearly 4 seconds below the allowed 59. Genn and Happy Z would have a bit of bad luck as a knick of the plank cost them 4 faults in 49.980. “This was a really good Chantal jump off! I just knew I could be faster with him, his big stride, cutting it to 4 [strides] where others did 5. He loves this kind of jump off- he could gallop shave the turn, keep the gallop and turn back. He’s really good at that.” Genn said. Indeed Chantal could and did love the tracks finishing clear in a fast 48.092 to clinch the win. “He’s really in tune with me.” a grateful Genn added of Chantal.
Final results found Chantal and Wilhelm Genn in first place for the second time this week with a clear ride in 48.092. Whitney Owens and Santina H captured the 2nd spot with a clean 50.250. Third place went to Wilhelm Genn riding Copyright 3 in a clear time of 50.280. Fourth place went to Alex Granato with Mad Season clean in 51.094. And Amanda Flint completed the top five with Texas Hold’Em finishing clear in a time of 55.650.
The Gulfport Winter Classics continues with more hunter/jumper action through March 21st. Admission is free and the public is invited to enjoy the exciting competition throughout the week along with another $25,000 Grand Prix each Sunday afternoon.
For more information or results on the 2010 Gulf Coast Winter Classics please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 228-832-2745.
Flashpoint Media Services, based in Harrodsburg, KY, is a comprehensive public relations firm specializing in the equestrian sports. For additional information contact Robbi Meisel, 859-734 3713, robbi@flashpointmediaservices.com
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