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Photos 2005 Copyright protected ~ Ruth Lake
www.lakewebdesign.com
Results from
the 2005 Budweiser World Cup April 20-24 Las Vegas.
Staff
Ruth Lake
Editor/Photographer
Rose Martinez
Journalist
Tekla Schell
Technical Consultant
Dressage
First held in 1986, the FEI World Cup Dressage Final has been held
in the US only once, in 1995 in Los Angeles. Germany and the
Netherlands have dominated the competition, winning six titles
each through 2004. The United States won its first title in
competition in 2003 when Debbie McDonald of Halley, Idaho on
the magnificent mare, Brentina, owned by Parry an Peggy Thomas
of Las Vegas, emerged as Champions. The Thomas & Mack Center,
the venue for the World Cup Finals, was named for Parry Thomas.
Press Release-Fact
Sheet classic.pr@verizon.net
Jumping
Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup Jumping Final is an annual showdown
among the world's best jumping horses and riders. Approximately
45 rider, including many past and future olympians, qualify
from 13 leagues around the world.
The 2005 FEI Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final is the sixth World
Cup Final held in the United States. Previous Finals were held
in Baltimore (1930), Tampa(1989), Del Mar (1992), and Las Vegas
( 2000 and 2003.)
Schedule Subject To Change Wednesday, April 20, 2005
9:30am-Budweiser FEI Jumping Warm-Up Class I
11:45am Budweiser FEI Jumping Warm-Up Class II
1:30pm FEI Dressage Open Training
Thursday, April 21, 2005
12:45pm Opening Ceremony
1:00pm FEI World Cup Dressage - Grand Prix
7:00pm Opening Ceremony
7:15pm FEI Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final I
Friday, April 22,
2005
12:45pmOpening Ceremony
1:00pm FEI World Cup Dressage - B-Final & Grand Prix
7:00pm Opening Ceremony
7:15pm FEI Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final II
Saturday, April
23, 2005
1:00pmOpening Ceremony
1:10pm Las Vegas Jumping Grand Prix
7:00pm Opening Ceremony
7:15pm FEI World Cup Dressage Final - Freestyle
Sunday, April
24, 2005
Opening Ceremony
Budweiser FEI World Cup Jumping Final III
12:00pm
12:15pm
April 20
Warm Up - Sonoma CDS Press Journalist - Rose Martinez
The FEI World Cup Finals opened to an unexpected almost full house on
Wednesday, April 20, 2005. A knowledgeable crowd gathered to watch 10
nation’s competitors school in the competition arena for the first
time at the event.
The 15 minute sessions were divided alphabetically
by country and were limited to 3 riders at a time.
A change in the scheduled order came in the first session
when Canada, Columbia and Great Britain were to school
together. Unfortunately it was announced that Isabel
Werth had to withdraw and was being replaced by Canadian
competitor Evi Strasser and Quantum Tyme. This change
bumped Great Britain competitor Carl Hester into the
next group.
The first group included Canadians Ms. Strasser and
Quantum Tyme, Leslie Reid and Mark and the only South
American League competitor Cesar Parra and Galant Du
Serein representing Columbia.
Evi Strasser
Leslie Reid
Cesar Parra
The second group included Great Britain’s Carl
Hester and Escapada, Denmark’s Andreas Helgstrand
with Blue Hors Cavan and Lone Joergensen with Haardthof’s
Ludewig G. The group was notable by Hester’s
very quiet ride and posting trot work.
Carl Hester - Andreas Helgstrand -Lone Joergesen
Group three was represented by Germany’s Ann
Kathrin Linsenhoff with Renoir-Unicef, Hubertus Schmitt
with Aramis and Sweden’s Jan Brink and Bjorsellis
Briar 899. Schmitt excited the crowd with Aramis’ piaffe
work and square halts. Ms. Linsenoff won everyone over
with her enthusiastic praise of Renoir’s relaxed
work and stops on the rail for treats.
Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff
Hubertus Schmitt
Jan Brink
The Netherlands made up group four with Edward Gal
and Geldnet Lingh, Sven Rothenberger and Barclay II,
and Anky Van Grunsven and Keltec Salinero. Mr. Gal
mesmerized the crowd with first rate piaffe/passage
work that seemed to be perfectly choreographed to the
canned session background music. Rothenberger rode
a quiet, competent school. Ms Grunsven schooled an
apparently
tense Salinero through piaffe work.
Edward Gal
Sven Rothenberger
Anky Van Grunsven
Robert Dover and Kennedy were the first USA pair included
in group five. Elena Sidneva of Russia with Artax Condor
RBB and Switzerland’s Marie-Line Wettstein with
Le Primeur 2 rounded out the session. Using a lot of
half halts and pats on the neck Dover rode through
Kennedy’s tense school. Artax was calm, cool
and collected for Russia’s Sidneva exhibiting
wonderful freewalks on super long reins.
Robert Dover
Elena Sidneva
Marie-Line Wettstein
Finishing up the day’s schooling sessions was
USA’s Debbie McDonald with Brentina, Leslie Morse
with Kingston and Guenter Seidel with Aragon. McDonald
put Brentina through relaxed paces mostly on the snaffle
rein. Seidel rode softly with lots of work at the trot
on a long rein. Kingston performed wonderfully for
Leslie Morse in their first World Cup. Kingston garnered
enthusiastic smacks on the neck and an ear-to-ear grin
from Leslie after performing one tempi’s endlessly
down the long side. The crowd reluctantly left their
seats after Aragon followed by Brentina's passage
out of the arena.
Debbie McDonald
Leslie Morse
Guenter Seidel
The morning jumping school was fun to
watch. Sizable jumps were packed into the small arena;
the crowded venue didn’t seem to bother
the jumpers.
Candice King on Cococabana - USA
The USA will be well represented, although
Nick Skelton of Great Britain is expected to take
top honors and a split decision between Rodrigo
Pessoa and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum to take second/third.
McLain Ward and Laura Kraut placing 5th or lower
are
the best expected USA finishes.
The End
Dateline:
Thursday, April 21, 2005 – Las Vegas World
Cup Final
Grand Prix Results
Edward Gal and his Dutch WB stallion Geldnet Lingh
Win the Budweiser World Cup Grand Prix
The first official competition began today at the Thomas
Mack arena with the Grand Prix. Eighteen riders from
ten countries competed for top honors. Riders are competing
for the World Cup Title and a choice of a Ford truck
or $40,000. To add a bit of Las Vegas glamour to the
event Opening Ceremonies included Clint Holmes of “Pina
Colada” song fame singing the National anthem,
a laser light show and fireworks. A vaulting exhibition
helped pass the time while scores were tallied and placings
verified prior to the awards presentation. Technology
won the day with a state of the art media board that
featured real time video of the rides along with movement
scores.
The Results
Edward Gal and his Dutch WB stallion Geldnet Lingh was
the second to last to go and ended up taking first place
from Debbie McDonald and Brentina with a score of 78.625.
Anky Van Grunsven, who followed Gal also edged out McDonald
for second place with a score of 78.000. McDonald placed
third with a 75.958 and Robert Dover and Kennedy held
on for fourth place with a 75.625.
Anky Van Grunsven
Debbie McDonald
The Competition
Only the 12 top scoring riders would advance to the
Freestyle Gala on Saturday night. The riders were separated
into three sections of 6 riders each. Those who didn’t
make the cut would perform a Consolation Freestyle on
Friday
afternoon. There were few empty seats. The crowd hummed
in anticipation of the first ride.
First Section
Canada’s Evi Strasser and Leslie
Reid drew the first and third slot. Debbie McDonald
and Leslie Morse drew second
and fifth slots respectively. Marie-Line Wettstein of
Switzerland and Cesar Parra of
Columbia competed in fourth and sixth place.
Marie-Line Wettstein placed 15th with 8’s for
her tempi changes and 5/6’s for the pirouettes.
Evi Strasser pulled mostly 6’s and 7’s throughout
her test landing her in 16th place. Leslie Reid had trouble
with the piaffe which caused her to place in 17th. Cesar
Parra placed 18th because of mistakes in the tempi changes
and managed only 4’s and 5’s with labored
piaffe work. Leslie Morse and Kingston held on to second
place in this rotation earning mostly 7/8’s, but
getting only 6’s for the extended walk. Debbie
McDonald came through for the USA holding on to first
place with a score of 75.958 in this first rotation.
Brentina performed a consistent ride earning 8/9’s
in the piaffe and transitions, 7/8’s for passage
and 9’s for the left pirouette.
Second Section
The second rotation included Carl Hester of Great Britain,
Elena Sidneva of Russia, Andreas Helgestrand and Lone
Joergensen of Denmark, Sven Rothenberger of Netherlands
and Guenter Siedel of the USA.
Carl Hester and Escapado placed 9th with a square halt,
brisk strike off and consistent marks in the 7/8’s
in the canter work. He earned a standing ovation from
the eager crowd. Artax Condor and Sidneva scored 7’s
consistently but made mistakes in the tempis, placing
her in 14th. Helgestrand earned 8/9’s for flying
changes and the tempis, but had problems with the piaffe
placing 6th. Sven Rothenberger received 8’s for
the extended trot, 7/8’s for passage but unclear
steps in the piaffe earned 5/6’s putting Rothenberger
in 10th. Seidel with Aragon halting wide behind in the
salute earned only 6’s, had mistakes in the one
tempis getting 4’s, but made up points with 8/9’s
at piaffe and transition scores ending in 11th place.
Earning 8/9’s at extended trot, but scores of 5/6’s
in the piaffe placed Lone Joergensen in a tie for 11th
place with Guenter Siedel.
Third Section
Robert Dover and Kennedy headed the third rotation,
followed by Jan Brink of Sweden, Huburtus Schmidt and
Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff of Germany, Edward Gal and Anky
Van Gurnsven of the Netherlands.
Kennedy and Dover wowed the crowd with 8/9’s at
the extended trots and in the transition scores, mostly
8’s in the pirouettes and piaffe placing 4th. Jan
Brinks received 8’s for expressive tempis, 8/9’s
for passage and transitions ending in 5th place. Germany’s
Schmidt made mistakes in the tempis, but earned mostly
8’s in the extended trots and half pass work for
8th place. Linsenhoff earned an extraordinary 10 with
Renoir's extended walk, 8’s in the extended trots,
but made mistakes in the canter half passes landing the
13th placing. Edward Gal caught the crowds attention
when he earned 8/9’s in the tempis and pirouettes,
8’s in trot half passes, passage and transition
scores; with the weakest scores in the extended walk
with 6/7’s. Van Grunsven garnered consistent 8/9’s,
but made a mistake in the one tempis and received 6/7’s
for Salinero’s extended walk. Grunsven placed 2nd
to Edward Gall’s 1st place; which pushed USA's
Debbie McDonald and Brentina to third, Dover was
fourth, Leslie Morse ending
in 7th place, and Seidel placed 11th.
Sonoma CDS Press Journalist - Rose
Martinez
April 22- Offield Las
Vegas Invitational
Steffen Peters on Floriano-Winner
Offield Invitational Grand Prix
This competition day began with the $25,000 Offield Las
Vegas Invitational Grand Prix class. Six riders were entered
for this test, but the group was diminished by one when
Canadian rider Evi Strasser filled Isabel Werth’s
slot when Werth had to withdraw.
Opening ceremonies came with the usual Las Vegas pizzazz
via a laser light show, fireworks and an Elvis impersonator.
USA riders made up most of the class with Steffen Peters,
Katherine Bateson, Carol Plough, and Mette Rosencrantz.
The lone German entry of Dirk Glitz rounded out the class.
Peters with Floriano, a 15 year old chestnut Westfalen
gelding was first to go. Riding a precise test Peters
earned mostly 7’s for passage, piaffe, and pirouettes,
and solid 8’s for the trot half passes and tempis.
The pair earned a score of 74.292 for first place, and
a lead he did not give up.
Second place with a score of 66.208 went to Carol Plough
and her ride Komo, a 13 year old chestnut Dutch WB gelding.
Plough’s ride was not problem free, with mistakes
in the one tempis and difficult pirouettes; but pulled
solid 7’s throughout most of the rest of the test.
The fairly new combination of Mette Rosencrantz and
Basqueville, a 14 year old bay Dutch WB gelding placed
third with a score of 64.167. Difficulties
in the canter work marred an otherwise consistent performance
in their first World Cup outting.
Rainer, a 14 year old grey Oldenburg gelding and Katherine
Bateson earned a score of 63.125. A top rate extended
walk scored 7’s and 8’s; but difficult one
tempis and average pirouettes placed this pair in fourth
place.
The only non-American competitor, Dirk Glitz of Germany
and his 13 year old bay Rheinlander gelding placed fifth
with a score of 60.292. The pair performed a precise
test, with scores of 7 in the extended trots and trot
half passes; but mistakes in the canter half passes and
one tempis had this combination placing last.
Steffen Peters
Peters earned $10,000 for his first place finish. $7,500
went to Carol Plough for her second place finish and
Mette Rosencrantz received $5,000. Mr. Peters and a calm
Floriano led the victory gallop to a standing ovation
and roars of appreciation from the excited spectators
and performed flawless one tempis out the gate. The crowd
went wild.
Grand Prix Kur- Final B Consolation Freestyle
Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff on Renoir-Unicef
Winner Grand Prix Kur-B Final
The six World Cup riders who were unable to advance
to Saturday’s Freestyle final, competed Friday
afternoon in a Consolation Freestyle for $10,000 in prize
money.
Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff of Germany won first place and
$3,000 on her 14 year old chestnut Oldenburg gelding
Renoir-Unicef with an almost technically perfect kur
and a score of 76.150. Second place and $2,500 went to
Canadian Leslie Reid and Mark, a Dutch WB bay gelding
scoring 74.350 for a rhythmic kur with impeccable musical
timing. Elena Sidneva of Russia and the 13 year old brown
Hanoverian gelding placed third earning $1,500 and a
score of 74.125. Hanoverian chestnut gelding Le Primeur
2 and Marie-Line Wettstein of Switzerland scored 72.050
for fourth place and $1,200. Canada’s Evi Strasser
and 10 year old chestnut Oldenburg gelding Quantum Tyme
showed impressive passage for a score of 70.075, fifth
place, and $1,000. Columbian Cesar Parra and the 11 year
old Selle Francais stallion Gallant Du Serein was sixth
scoring 66.075 and earned $800.
Jumping Notes!
Closing the day was an exciting second half of the World
Cup Jumping Final with a tight, technical course. As
predicted ex-Californian Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and
Shutterfly representing Germany beat a field of 39 for
first place honors. Alois Schweckhorst and Lars Nieberg
both of Germany tied for second; and yesterday’s
leader Ludo Philippaeerts and Rodrigo Pessoa tied for
fourth.
April 23 - 2005 Las Vegas
Budweiser World Cup Final - Dressage
by Rose Martinez
2005 Las Vegas World Cup Winner-
Anky Van Grunsven on Keltic Salinero
It was an incredible night for American dressage. Unprecedented
scores in the 80’s had dressage fans gasping. Four
riders from the USA competed in the sold out 2005 Las Vegas
World Cup Final sponsored by Offield Farms with 11, 561
avid fans in attendance. The arena hummed with the international
sounds of guttural German, lilting French and Spanish,
fascinating Dutch and the occasional Swiss and Aussie accents.
Opening ceremonies included the laser light show, fireworks
and the National Anthem sung by the Sirens of Ti, a Vegas
entertainment group. A special appearance by Siegfried
and Roy had folks on their feet. It was the pair’s
first public appearance since the infamous accident.
An exciting Pas De Deux performed entirely in the dark
followed; ridden by Jao Oliviera and Elena….. of
Robinson’s Lusitanos and had the crowd primed and
ready for more.
The field of 12 was split into two sections with Guenter
Seidel and Leslie Morse drawing the second and fifth
spots. Dover and McDonald went back to back in the second
section.
Anky Van Grunsven and 11 year old Hanoverian gelding
Keltic Salinero won with an overall score of 86.725.
With artistic scores in the 80’s and technical
scores ranging from 91 to 95, the pair were untouchable.
Asked if she planned on changing her Freestyle for the
upcoming European championships, Anky responded with
a resounding “No!” With near perfect passage
and piaffe, awesome smooth transitions and impeccable
musical timing, it was no surprise that this incredible
pair won the day.
Close behind with a final score of 85.225 was Van Grunsven’s
student Edward Gal and 12 year old Dutch stallion Geldnet
Lingh. Riding to rather “heavy” classical
pieces, the pair maneuvered effortlessly through their
kur with wonderfully expressive gaits and exciting choreography.
In third place, Debbie McDonald and the 14 year old
Hanoverian mare Brentina scored an impressive 83.450.
With a new smoothly choreographed kur, Debbie and Brentina
performed with their usual precision and flair to 80’s
hits including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Brick
House and Aretha Franklin’s classic RESPECT. As
the pair made the turn up centerline a satisfied Debbie
smiled at a job well done. Typically, the pair had the
crowd on their feet and cheering well before the final
halt.
Robert Dover and 16 year old Wurtenberg gelding RBW
Kennedy placed fourth with a score of 80.100. The pair
performed nearly flawlessly to a brassy Big Spender score
with awesome collected work and precise musical timing.
Andreas Helgstrand of Denmark finished fifth with a
score of 78.500. USA’s Leslie Morse placed sixth
with 78.475. Swede Jan Brink had a score of 77.375 for
seventh. Germany’s Hubertus Smith received 77.200
and eigth; followed by veteran Dutch competitor Sven
Rothenberger with ninth place and 75.250. Tenth place
went to Great Britain’s Carl Hester with 73.475.
Eleventh place was earned by Lone Joergensen with a score
of 72.275. American Guenter Siedel placed twelfth and
scored 70.650.
At the post event press conference Anky Van Grunsven
enthused about a “Super final” and praised
the crowd stating they were the “Best public ever! – and
the loudest”. She said it was important that the “Riders
are at a very high level” and that they “Keep
pushing each other” to get better and better.
Uwe Melchem, President of the Judges Jury, was asked
about the incredibly high scoring. He stated that it
was a very difficult final to judge. The level of the
group was “unbelievably high”. With each
ride the judges felt “it couldn’t get any
better, but they did!”
Van Grunsven was presented with the World Cup trophy
by FEI President H.R.H Infanta Dona Pilar De Borbon,
with major sponsor Karin Reid Offield of Offield Farms
and Steve Thompson, Chairman of the Board of Las Vegas
Events. A beaming Anky made a final victory pass in her
new Ford F250 waving to the enthusiastic dressage fans.
Anky Van Grunsven with FEI President H.R.H Infanta
Dona Pilar De Borbon
April 24
Meredith Michaels Beerbaum Clinches the 2005 FEI World
Cup Finals
Las Vegas, NV—April 24, 2005
Meredith Michaels Beerbaum on Shutterfly - Winner
2005 Budweiser World Cup Jumping Finals
Meredith Michaels
Beerbaum, riding for Germany won her first world Cup
in a breathtaking final round during the 2005 Budweiser
World Cup Jumping Final held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Michaels Beerbaum, aboard the 12 year old Hannoverian
gelding
Shutterfly, led the competition going into Sunday’s
final round. The pair was had a single rail down in the
first round. A clear second round kept the duo narrowly
on top. Michaels Beerbaum, who originally hailed from
California is married to 11th place finisher, teammate
Marcus Beerbaum. Michaels Beerbaum commented, “Shutterfly
jumped brilliantly. This is my biggest win, and it was
a wonderful pleasure to win in Las Vegas.”
Great Britian’s Michael Whitaker on Portofino finished
in the second spot. “I am very happy. My horse
had only one fence down in the whole horse show.” Third
place was a tie between Germany’s Lars Nieberg
on Lucie 55 and his teammate Marcus Ehning on Gitania
8.
The highest ranking American, Kimberly Frey brilliantly
held the fifth spot with a clear second round on Marlou.
Frey remarked, “We went to Europe to the Super
League shows last year, and I believe that it pushed
our performance to a whole new level.”
FEI Secretary General Bo Helander stated, “I am thrilled and enthusiastic
about presenting the World Cup in Las Vegas.”
NBC to
televise 2005 FEI Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final -
OLN to Televise FEI World Cup Dressage Finals - Presented
by Offield Farms
Las Vegas, NV - The NBC Television Network will televise
a one-hour special broadcast of the 2005 FEI Budweiser
World Cup Jumping Final on Sunday, May 8, beginning at
5:00pm EDT. The special will immediately follow NBC's
broadcast of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
The FEI World Cup Dressage Final, presented by Of field
Farms, will also be televised with a one-hour telecast
scheduled for Monday, June 6, at 4:00 EDT on the Outdoor
Life Network (OLN)
In an unprecedented co-hosting of two of the world's
most prestigious and glamorous equine events, the FEI
Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final will be held alongside
the FEI World Cup Dressage Final, presented by Offield
Farms, April 20-24 at the Thomas & Mack Center in
Las Vegas, NV.
"We are truly excited that NBC has agreed to bring
the FEI Budweiser World Cup Jumping Final to a national
television audience, " said Pat Christenson, President
of Las Vegas Events, Inc., producer of the World Cup
Finals in Las Vegas. " After cable telecasts of
our previous World Cups in 2000 an 2003, this marks a
significant step forward and we consider it a tribute
to the interest in the World Cup Finals generated by
our two previous events."
An exciting Pas De Deux performed entirely in the dark
followed; ridden by Jao Oliviera and Elena….. of
Robinson’s Lusitanos and had the crowd primed and
ready for more.
