Clarke Johnstone and James Avery have nabbed top eight slots in the CCI4*-S at the Internationale Marbacher Vielseitigkeit in Germany this morning. Clarke and Domasco placed fifth with their 33.7 penalty point effort with James aboard MBF Connection sixth on 33.7, and Clarke eighth with Menlo Park on 34.6.

Clarke Johnstone rides Domasco. File Photo. ©Pam Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times

Domasco edged his way up the leaderboard in all three tests, from 26th after the dressage, adding just 0.4 time in the cross country to move to eighth, and a double clear in the showjumping secured fifth. MBF Connection was also a steady riser, coming from 15th after the dressage, to 10th post cross country thanks to just 3.6 time, and also finished off with a double clear in the showjumping this morning.

James Avery rides MBF Connection. File Photo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ finished the day in 15th place on 38.6 while Dan Jocelyn aboard Blackthorn Cruise managed 41.2, Clarke and Rocket Man finished on 46, Ginny Thomasen and Capitaine de Hus Z completed with a score of 47, Hollie Swain and Ballycoskerry Regal Diamond on 60.4 and Samantha with Lord Seekonig scored 66.7. Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing withdrew before the cross country.

Forty eight combinations started the dressage, with 41 completing all three tests. The class was won by Astier Nicolas (FRA) aboard Babylon de Gamma on 28 penalty points, with Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) on Diabolo Menthe second on 28.7 and rounding out a French trifecta was Gireg le Coz (FRA) aboard Aispirit de la Loge with a score of 30.5.

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget was very pleased with the results. “This was one of three targeted events for our Paris hopefuls,” he said. “It was key we saw them tested over a 4*-S course in a European feel event. One of the challenges of competing at the Olympics, is that you have to go to a venue that is new to you and be able to perform at your first attempt.”

Marbach had been tagged by the selection team as an event that is comparable to Paris and provides an opportunity to compete in a foreign environment. “The conditions were good and we got to see some good performances. From here, our athletes will know where they need to focus between now and Paris to be at their best.”

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THE HORSE DETAILS

Horse

Breeding

Owners

Domasco

by Zoffany out of Iwunder who is by King’s Best

Clarke Johnstone

MBF Connection

by Luidam out of Traditionally Aloof

Hazel Liversey and James Avery

Menlo Park

by Berlin out of Faerie Queen who is by Rock King

Jean, Rob and Clarke Johnstone

Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ

by Caretino out of Quantum Flash who is by Tristaking

Pip McCarroll and Samantha Lissington

 

Blackthorn Cruise

by Vancouver out of Ms Cruze who is by Cruising

owned by Panda Christie and Dan Jocelyn

Rocket Man

by Diacontinus out of For You who is by For Pleasure

Jean and Rob Johnstone

Capitaine De Hus Z

by Cosinus out of France de Hus who is by Fergar Mail

David and Karie Thomson and Ginny Thomasen

Ballycoskerry Regal Diamond

by Gentle Diamond out of Rolling Star who is by High Roller

The Hendrix Syndicate

Lord Seekonig

by Lord Fauntleroy out of Seekoenigin who is by Carpalo

Sharon Honiss, Annabelle and Robin Greville Williams, Brayden Lissington and Neil Robertson

Good Timing

by Nom du Jeu out of Baloushe who is by Black Minnaloushe

The Volunteer Syndicate

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison