Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa Thrills Crowd to Take Atlas Speed Challenge
Tight top three finish caps an exciting first night at Syracuse
October 29, 2009 (Syracuse, NY) – In a finish that left the audience applauding, Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa picked up speed to the last fence, let go of the reins at the arc of his jump, raising his hands in the air knowing he had the victory. Adding to the show, he abruptly stopped his mount Palouchin De Ligny, a chestnut stallion, a few feet from the stage and the appreciative audience. Pessoa cleared the course in a very quick 49.29.
It was still a very close finish, with the USA’s Hilary Dobbs just behind in 49.60. Dobbs went out quickly riding Marengo and from the beginning of her aggressive ride was clearly running a fast time. McLain Ward of the USA was just behind, riding Miss Liberty and finishing third in 49.74.
Canada’s 9 time Olympian, Ian Millar, drew gasps taking a nasty fall at the second fence resulting in disqualification. Millar and his mount Stedet’a Leroy were not hurt.
28 riders took on the challenging speed course. Christine McCrea, Brianne Goutal and Margie Engle, all of the USA finished 4 through 6th place respectively, followed by Katie Prudent of France in 7th, Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker in 8th, Keean White of Canada in 9th and Ireland’s Darragh Kenny rounding the top 10.
Rodrigo Pessoa drops the reins as he clears the final fence in his dramatic Atlas Speed Challenge win.
Photo by Reflections Photography, Inc.