Rodrigo Pessoa Wins Second Speed Class of the week, Taking the $15,000 TK99 Speed Derby at Syracuse Invitational
October 31, 2009 (Syracuse, NY) -- Speed continued to be the friend of Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa as he outraced the field riding Palouchin de Ligny to win the $15,000 TK99 Speed Derby at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament Saturday afternoon at the War Memorial. Hillary Dobbs continued her strong finishes this week in second aboard Marengo, followed by McLain Ward in third aboard Miss Liberty 7. It was Pessoa’s second speed class win of the week at Syracuse.
The galloping course with route options was designed by Richard Jeffery of England favored a fast mount, strategy and demanded strong communications between horse and rider. 24 riders vied in the class but Gerco Schroder of the Netherlands, the 8th rider in the order, was the first to clear the course in 60 seconds without faults in 57.69 seconds aboard Eurocommerce Seattle.
After a brief lead change, Pessoa and Palouchin de Ligny teamed for a blistering run of 53.45 seconds. McLain Ward made the race exciting utilizing strategic shortcuts but cleared in a final 55.71 seconds, short of Pessoa’s commanding lead. Hillary Dobbs, riding fast all week aboard Marengo, edged into second in 54.42 seconds.
Tickets are still available for the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. Call or visit the Oncenter box office, (315) 435-2121 or through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.
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About the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament: Each fall, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament welcomes the top-ranked equestrians from across the US and the world to downtown Syracuse to compete at the War Memorial Arena in the Oncenter Complex. The event features a full slate of high-level competition, entertainment, shopping and exhibitions and runs October 28 to November 1, 2009. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Syracuse Invitational benefits Cornell University Equine Hospital and the Vera House.
Rodrigo Pessoa Wins the $15,000 TK99 Speed Derby aboard Palouchin de Ligny
Photo by Reflections Photography, Inc.