Tamra Smith's Control of CCI** Continues at Fair Hill

Tamra Smith and Sunsprite Syrius (Photo: Shannon Brinkman)

Fair Hill, MD - Spectators and competitors enjoyed a thrilling day of cross country at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event where international pairs battled Derek di Grazia's challenging track. Colleen Rutledge took over The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI*** Eventing National Championship with Covert Rights, and Tamra Smith and Sunsprite Syrius kept their lead of The Dutta Corp./ USEF CCI** Eventing National Championship.

Tamra Smith and Sunsprite Warmbloods' Sunsprite Syrius were the first combination to come home clear within the time on Saturday's cross country. The 9-year-old Trakehner gelding made quick work of Derek di Grazia's course to remain on his dressage score (40.9) going into Sunday's show jumping finale.

"I didn't know what to expect. He hasn't been in an environment like this before. He was super. He didn't question one thing. He was spot on. You bring them here to the two-star at Fair Hill and know if you definitely have a three-star horse and beyond, and I definitely feel that," she said of the young horse's promise.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M (Photo: Shannon Brinkman)

Following Smith's lead, Cornelia Dorr also remained in second place with her own Louis M, a 12-year-old Rheinlander gelding. Dorr piloted both Louis M and her own fifth-placed Sir Patico MH to double clear cross country results.

"My first one, 'Hugo,' was amazing. He and I have an wonderful relationship. I felt super confident with him. It was nice to go out and do all that with him then be able to make tighter lines on Louis. They were both great and super fit. I'm happy with them," she smiled.

Again in the CCI**, William Coleman climbed the leaderboard, this time with Off The Record, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the Off The Record Syndicate. The duo completed the course penalty-free to move into third place on a score of 49.8.

William Coleman and Off The Record (Photo: Shannon Brinkman)

"I was proud of him. He's an 8-year-old horse he was second in [The Pedigree Bromont CCI**] this year and the last four to five times out he's been in the top five. So, he's been consistent. That's what we're are going for, for all the horses this year, trying to build consistent performances throughout all three phases," he remarked. "I think it was a proper test with a pretty good group of horses here. [The Dutta Corp./Fair Hill International Three-Day Event] gets billed as a two and a half star and I think people have a lot of respect for it and come ready."

Show jumping concludes the competition on Sunday, October 15.

For further information on The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, please call 410-398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.