First Champions Crowned: Rookie Level 2 Champions

It was showtime today at the CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland, as the first class of the National Reining Horse Association European Affiliate Championship (EAC)
took place.

In a field of 20 riders where seven countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands) were represented, Philippe Castel of France aboard his own Star Pine Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Deano Fox) claimed first place honors with a score of 210.5. “This is my second year at the Championships with this eight-year-old gelding.

I was hoping to end up in the top five spots, winning was just great and I have to give credit my trainer as of January this year, Cyril Dufrese for the work done!”, said the French rider who also breeds reining horses in Bordeaux, France, along with his wife Catherine, the ‘Maqueline Reining Horses’.

There was a three-way-tie for the Reserve championship between Dutch rider Ingrid Den Engelsman riding her Hollywoods Lena Lady (Dun Its Lucky Charm x Ebonies Lena),  fellow country man Niels Dutij riding his Bo Knows Hollywood (Hollywood Eighty Six x Bo Betty Pine) and Italian Luca D’Ambosio aboard Sara Barone’s No Trouble Slidin (Lil Ruf Peppy x Sliding My Way). The three horse and rider combinations scored a 209.5.

Run class in class, the NRHA approved ancillary Rookie Level 2 saw D’Ambrosio and Dutij opt to run-off for first place. The Italian rider posted a 211 for the win and was the very first to take home the new custom made CS Classic Trophy.

On Thursday the EAC Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open classes will be held. Friday will see the Limited Open, Youth 13 & Under, Youth 14-18 and Non Pro riders vye for the 2011 Championship titles. The Limited Non Pro and Open finals will be held on Saturday.
The EAC also offers a full-slate of NRHA approved classes including the $30,000 added SVAG CS Classic Open and $20,000 added SVAG CS Classic Non Pro, both held class in class with the EAC Open and Non Pro finals.

Log on to the CS Ranch website at:  www.cs-ranch.eu for further information, entries, draws and complete results.

Photo: Philipe Castel & Star Pine Whiz - 2011 NRHA EAC Rookie Level 2 Champions. Courtesy Andrea Bonaga Photography