Laura Tomlinson and Unique Top FEI Prix St. Georges CDI I* Class Presented by Mission Control at the 2015 AGDF

Laura Tomlinson and Unique (Photos: SusanJStickle.com)

Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique topped the large FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) scoring a 73.321% to take victory. This is the pair's first competition back since 2013. Tomlinson took a leave of absence from competition as she was expecting her first child with husband, polo player Mark Tomlinson. After giving birth, Tomlinson hopped back in the saddle and started to prepare for the 2015 season, which started with her win today. "It's great to get back in the ring. It was my mare's first time out since 2013. We just needed to get back in the ring together, and I am very happy with the way she went," she said. As for their time in Florida, Tomlinson hopes to create enough confidence with Unique that it will allow the duo to make a smooth transition to Grand Prix in the coming weeks. "In an ideal world she'll be on a championship team for Britain by the end of the year for European Championships but to be honest, I won't know until we do a few Grands Prix and see where we are," Tomlinson commented.

"I know I'm going to have to ride very low-key and more for confidence. We can't fuss too much over the details at this point, and that will give me the ability to get a real idea of where we are and see how far I can push the buttons to really make it good. She's a proper diva. You have to make her feel comfortable or she won't agree."
 
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing's Lonoir followed in second scoring a 71.947%, the only U.S. pair placing in the top three. LaGoy-Weltz is looking forward to building upon the strong start with "Lono" and hopes to be in consideration for the team representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games being held in Toronto, Canada this July. "I know there is some stiff competition which is really a great thing for the program and the country that we have several very nice combinations vying for those spots," she explained. As for her test on the big gelding, she was pleased with his performance. "The half-passes were very expressive and nice. He listened very well for the pirouettes. He really just took the leg and didn't jump out from underneath the aids," she continued. "He is a very big and powerful horse and trying to get all of that power where you want it can be difficult, but he was great."

Laura Tomlinson and Unique in their winning presentation

Final Results FEI Prix St. Georges CDI1* presented by Mission Control
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Unique, 2004 Holsteiner mare, Carpaccio x Grana x Lord: 73.684%, 76.579%, 69.474%, 71.974%, 74.868%, 73.316%
2. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA), Rassing's Lonoir, 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding, De Noir x Lorani x Loran: 75.789%, 69.737%, 69.474%, 73.553%, 71.184%, 71.947%,
3. Diane Creech (CAN), Robbie W, 2003 Oldenburg gelding, Rubin Royal x Rolling Home x Inschallah: 69.211%, 71.316%, 70.789%, 72.632%, 73.684%, 71.526%
4. Christina Vinios (USA), Folkestone, 2006 Oldenburg gelding, Fidertanz x El. Katullika x Rubinstein: 72.105%, 69.737%, 71.579%, 71.974%, 71.316%, 71.342%
5. Chris Von Martels (CAN), Zilverstar, 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Rosseau x Hutricia x Rossini: 73.684%, 68.553%, 70.921%, 70.526%, 71.711%, 71.079%
6. Michael Klimke (GER), Djamba Djokiba, 2007 Westphalian gelding, Damon Hill x Whoopy x Wessex: 70.132%, 69.737%, 69.868%, 69.605%, 69.211%, 69.711%
7. Diane Creech (CAN), Hallmark 3, 2004 Hanoverian gelding, His Highness x Lapislazuly x Laucier: 70.395%, 68.421%, 68.158%, 72.105%, 69.079%, 69.632%
8. Tina Irwin (CAN), Fancy That, 2006 Oldenburg gelding, Donerschwee x Freiherr x Falaise: 70.526%, 68.553%, 68.816%, 70.000%, 68.684%, 69.316%

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world's largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations' Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.