Jan Byyny made her first win at the CCI*** level a memorable one by capturing first place on Task Force and second place on Waterfront. Byyny, who was already sitting in the top two places after stellar cross-country riding, stayed in front on June 6 with two solid show jumping rounds. Riding Waterfront first, Byyny jumped one of only two double-clear rounds. Although she had already secured the win, Byyny looked even more determined when she rode into the ring on Task Force. Despite a single dropped rail and two time penalties, Task Force stayed a fraction of a point in front of his stablemate.
Bonnie Mosser and Close the Deal also held their overnight position to finish in third. Close the Deal (otherwise known as Bob) showed no effects of his speedy round on Saturday, and had just one unlucky rail. Mosser looks to have a solid backup to Jenga, and both of these horses may compete overseas this fall.
Jen Libby’s mount, Draco, looked greatly improved during his round, and despite two rails, stayed in fourth place. John Holling had some compensation for his Rolex troubles and stayed in fifth place with two rails down.
Samantha Taylor and Livewire were the top placing Canadians in seventh. With some improvement in the dressage ring, this talented pair could finish even higher next time. Molly Bull had some compensation for her Rolex disappointment with a tenth place finish. Michael Pollard and Voltaire had looked impressive all weekend. However, Pollard will have some work to do in the show jumping if he wants to trouble the leaders next time.
Like the CCI***, the CCI** saw few dramatic changes from the overnight leader board. Kate Ditchey looked relaxed and professional and jumped a double-clear round to win the division by over five points. Wendy Bebie motored around the show jumping and had on rail, but still finished in the runner-up position.
Phillip Dutton also had a single rail and finished in third with Tru Luck. Kristin Bond, who jumped a clear round at Rolex, managed to repeat that feat by jumping one of five double clear rounds. Bond switched overnight positions with Becky Holder, after Holder also had a round reminiscent of her Rolex experience.
Craig Thompson jumped a good round with Orion to move up to eighth following a conservative cross-country round. Kim Severson's one rail round meant that she would have squeaked ahead of Ditchey in the final standings.
The CCI** and CCI*** divisions at the Jersey Fresh Three-Day continued the trend of the 2006 event season, which so far has included surprise finishes. With new faces appearing in the final standings, this season continues to be the most exciting one in many years.
~~~