Jone Illi and Starlight thrilled the home crowd in International Grand Prix CSI 1* 140 cm presented by Fazer with a dominant performance in the deciding round. Helsinki first-timer, Anna Simicska of Hungary and Carundy were the only other pair to do a double clear and took the runner-up spot. Belgian Mike van Olst on Quintana van’t Klavertje placed third.
For Illi, this was the first jump-off with Starlight, and he was of course very happy.
“I’m feeling great, can’t be but super happy with my horse. I think these (yesterday and today) were the first international wins for this horse, so this was the perfect weekend. Big thanks to Nevala (Illi’s coach) that he didn’t let Starlight jump the first day – she jumped better these last two.”
“I saw her (the second placed) jump-off round and knew that I had to ride against the clock but not take stupid risks and that’s what we did. The jump-off was fast but not crazy”, Illi said about their performance in the deciding round.
After this win, Illi has his full focus on the Grand Prix this evening and then he will ride one more class, the 145, tomorrow.
The second placed Anna Simicska enjoys riding in Helsinki and praised especially her horse.
“I think today was the hardest course of the week, it was very complicated and there were long distances between jumps. I think it was harder for me than the CSI5* 145 but my horse is very careful, he is my best horse. He is very fast and careful and doesn’t like to touch poles so I hoped I would be in the top five. This is my first time in Helsinki and I enjoy this show. I wish that tomorrow I can also place in the 5* competition.”
International Grand Prix CSI 1* 140 cm presented by Fazer, with jump-off. Starts 20, placings 13.
1) Jone Illi – Starlight, FIN 0-0/34,23,
2) Anna Simicska – Carundy , HUN 0-0/35,73,
3) Mike van Olst – Quintana van’t Klavertje Vier, BEL 0-4/34,59,
…6) Aada-Minea Hanhela – Lotus vd Bisschop, FIN 0-4/41,01,
…8) Susanna Granroth – Menoor, FIN 4/65,76,
…10) Isabel Olsson – Haya, FIN 4/68,59,
11) Sophia Jurmo – Helianthus, FIN 4/69,74,
12) Silva Timonen – Jackiedieza, FIN 8/61,9,
13) Anni Hjerpe – D.Chacco’ S Dominator Z, FIN 8/65,41,
14) Marina Ehrnrooth – Qualime, FIN 8/66,82,
15) Jasmin Seppälä-Geerink – Off Course, FIN 8/67,92,
… Terhi Tuominen – Ouzo Lemon d’Uppe Z, FIN RT
Results: LINK
