THUNDERBIRD Show Park in Langley, British Columbia saw Laois man James Chawke continue his amazing run of form, scoring a hat-trick of wins over the course of the weekend.
The highlight of these was in Saturday’s $74,000 two-star Grand Prix, when six combinations jumped clear in the first round and made it through to the jump-off. Chawke was the first of these to face Meghan Rawlin’s 1.45m course on board Daido van’t Ruytershof Z and they jumped clear in 42.72 seconds, which none of the others could catch.
The Abbeyleix native came closest on board his other mount, Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z (44.2), but had to settle for second place to make it a one-two and take home $53,000 of the prize money. Canada’s Samantha Buirs-Darvill and Chic D Emma Z also jumped double clear in 46.52 to claim third and make it an all-Zangersheide podium.
“She’s so quick. I just try to be nice and tidy on my turns,” said James of his strategy with the 10-year-old winning mare.
James’ mounts may be speedy in the ring, but they are equally calm leaving it, with both of them sauntering out on a loose rein, unreactive to the cheering crowd! “Well, that’s the point,” smiled James in an interview after the class. “Being stressed doesn’t get you anywhere.”
On Thursday, Chawke and Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z had won the CSI2* Qualifier, while on Friday, he scored another one-two in the CSI2* Winning Round, finishing first with Daido van’t Ruytershof Z (45.19) and second on Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z (47.29) to take home another $22,000. Tracey Epp (CAN) and Klasse One (50.92) took third.
Meanwhile, James’ wife Jacqueline claimed the top spot in the only other international class held at the venue last week, when winning the CSI2* Welcome class with the home-bred eight-year-old LSF L’Etoile (Etoulon x Harlequin de Carel) on Wednesday, on the horse’s international debut.
Following his weekend successes, James now has nine FEI Jumping wins this season. “I couldn’t ask for two nicer animals to have,” said James.
Old Salem Farm
Meanwhile, at Old Salem Farm, New York, Darragh Kenny and Simon McCarthy both gave a good account of themselves over the weekend.
Offaly man Kenny and the 11-year-old Chaccoletto were runners up in Sunday’s $125,000 three-star 1.50m Grand Prix, with victory going to Brazil’s João Eduardo Ferreira de Carvalho and Ester de Maugre. Derry native, Jordan Coyle made it into the top five with Jorisca and Clare’s Philip McGuane was also in the money in sixth, riding Edgard de Prefontaine.
Cork’s Simon McCarthy and Gotcha added another win to their tally, after claiming the $65,000 three-star Welcome Stake at Old Salem Farm. Kenny and Chaccoletto made it an Irish one-two.