April 1, 2005 - Kristin Bachman, made the long drive from Redmond, Washington State to Temecula, California worthwhile when she took the lead after the dressage phase in the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***) at Galway Downs International Horse Trials on Friday, April 1st. A score of 51.2 on her 11 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Griffyndor (Country Light-Lani Molly) was just enough to edge out local rider, Jil Walton, Claremont, CA aboard Truly Triton (With Approval) who share second place with Stephanie Cooper and Kaelen on a score of 52.2.

Riding in her third CIC competition, Bachman was delighted to have got off to a good start in the windy conditions with her 11 year-old ex-racehorse who was having his first run of the season. “He was very rideable in there today,” she said of Griffin as he is known in the barn. “He’s a workman,” she added, “He can put in a steady, consistent test.”

Former Olympian, Walton, who co-owns Truly Triton with Lisa Jane McNaughton of Woodside, CA, said he has had a tough preparation this spring due to the wet weather. “I’ve been on his case because he’s been a bit dull….but he was very good all the way through and I was happy that he got sparked up.” she said.

Cooper, 33, who won the CCI** at Galway Downs in 2004 is riding in her first FEI world Cup Qualifier with her 11 year-old ex-racehorse, Kaelen (Polynesian Flyer-Definitely Sure). “He was pretty tense but he held it together.” she said of her ride today. The dental assistant from Hobart, WA who is riding in only her third Advanced event added: “I don’t have huge expectations, I just want to get round.”

Three riders tied for first place in the CIC** division on a score of 49.7 penalties. Winners of the Galway Downs Open Intermediate division in February this year, Debbie Rosen, Calabasas, CA, aboard her 12 year-old German bred gelding, Quinto 10 (Quick Dancer-Shiva); Shannon Lilley, Gilroy, CA, with her own 10 year-old thoroughbred gelding, High Mountain Road of the Galway Downs CCI* last November and Jennifer Taxay, Agua Dulce, CA, riding her 13 year-old Canadian Sport Horse, Indego, (Iris de Noire Dame-Classy Barbara) who finished second behind Lilley in the Galway Downs CCI* last November with Jil Walton aboard, head a field of 27 riders.

“I was really pleased with the way the horse went. He really came to the party today,” said Taxay who is trained by Olympians David & Karen O’Connor and Jil Walton. She was clearly thrilled with her result today. “I’m very lucky to be in that company”, she added, “I think the world of Debbie [Rosen].

Kelly Pugh, Tres Pino, CA, riding her 10 year-old Thoroughbred gelding, For Kicks (Wacky Bob) heads the CIC* division of 30 entries following her dressage test on a score of 45.7. She is followed close behind by Canadian, Theresa Washtock, aboard Charles Fipke’s 8 year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Haida’s Fancy Package (Haida’s Fancy Lena-Ms. Hickory Glo) on 46.8 penalties. Less than a penalty score separate Theresa from third place rider, Alexandra Caspary, who is riding his 12 year-old Westfalian gelding, Maletto V, (Monsieur-Perisa) on a score of 57.1. Caspary won the Open Preliminary division here in February.

In high winds and warm temperatures, 12 divisions from Novice to International level account for over 300 entries that completed the dressage phase today. With the cross-country course being watered to keep the dust down in the sandy loam of the Temecula Valley, Course Designer, Mike Etherington-Smith, is optimistic about the footing for tomorrow. “I’m very confident that Bert Wood will ensure that the footing will be in excellent condition. After all the dreadful weather this spring, it’s been a challenge for the organizers and builders to get the course in shape.” said Etherington-Smith.

Riders were full of praise for the organization and the difficulties that they overcame with the weather in preparing the course. “It’s amazing what they’ve done for the course, it’s a huge amount of effort” said Walton.