Jennie Brannigan and Irish Sport Horse “Cambalda” Vital to U.S. Team Winning FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing Competition for Second Consecutive Year
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda Photo Credit: 22gates.com
Co. Kildare, Ireland – July 12, 2017 – American rider Jennie Brannigan and the Irish Sport Horse “Cambalda,” topped a field of 29 world-class entries to win the 2017 Great Meadow International CICO***, presented by Adequan, (GMI) held July 7-9 in The Plains, VA. Their superb performance also helped secure the second consecutive victory for the U.S. Team in the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing competition, the only leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing series held outside Europe.
Brannigan and “Cambalda,” a 15 year-old bay Irish Sport Horse (ISH) gelding owned by Nina Gardner, scored 48.2 in the dressage phase for an initial sixth place, but moved up two spots into fourth after a clear show jumping round. The pair then jumped clear cross-country, adding just 1.6 time penalties to their overnight score to clinch the win on a total of 49.8 penalty points. This was the second time the duo took the individual title and lap of honor at the GMI, having won the CIC3* event in 2015.
“The first time I came it was so exciting because it earned me a spot as a traveling alternate for the Pan Am Games, which was quite special to me,” said Brannigan. “It’s such an honor to get to ride for your country and “Ping” has been an incredible horse in a lot of ways and is wonderful to me. I really appreciate him stepping up to the plate.”
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Nicky Roncoroni and Watts Burn
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“Watts Burn,” a 12 year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Janey Barlcay
Roncoroni and Dr. Lorna McWilliam, was the best of the British entries with rider Nicky Roncoroni on board. The pair placed fourth individually and provided the best score for British Team who took third place in the Nations Cup™ behind second-placed Team Canada.
“LCC Barnaby,” an 11 year-old bay ISH gelding owned and ridden by U.S. rider Lillian Heard, finished in 15th place individually. The pair rose from an initial 22nd place after the dressage phase into 17th place after the show jumping round. The pair also jumped clear on cross-country, adding 9.6 time penalties to give them a final score of 71.0. Fellow American rider Emily Beshear and “Silver Night Lady,” an 11 year-old grey ISH mare owned by Deep Purple Eventing, finished in 20th place with a final score of 87.2.
“We are delighted with the results of the Irish Sport Horses at the Great Meadow International as it was a tough competition,” said Elaine Hatton, Director of International Marketing for Horse Sport Ireland. “We would like to congratulate and Jenny and “Cambalda,” as well as Team USA, on their amazing performances and second well-deserved GMI victories!”
Individually, the U.S. captured the top three places. Second place went to Lynn Symansky and “Donner” while six-time Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton and “I’m Sew Ready” finished third.
About the Irish Horse Gateway
The Irish Horse Gateway was initiated by Horse Sport Ireland in 2013 to connect the world to the Irish Horse. It is the first point of contact for overseas clients seeking information on sourcing Irish horses and ponies for Equestrian sport and leisure. Horse Sport Ireland was established to bring together the breeding, sport and leisure aspects of the horse sector.
The Irish Horse Gateway’s mission is to connect buyers to sellers of Irish horses and ponies and promote the Irish horse and pony internationally to build upon its reputation worldwide.
