Givrins, 4 July 2010 –  It was all about excitement at the CS Ranch in Givrins on Saturday afternoon.  Once the NRHA European Affiliate Championship Rookie and Non Pro champions were determined, 26 top class riders ran NRHA pattern 9 vying for the $30,000 added SVAG CS Classic Open Championship.

Bernard Fonck and Sail On Top Whizard, owned by Danny Cerato, were the second horse and rider combination to make their way into the pen.  They set the bar and put the pressure on  by scoring a 224,5.  Two horses later, German rider Grischa Ludwig aboard Hollywood Yankee Kid posted the same score for owners Nixdorf/Karner.  Once Cody Sapergia, riding the 2009 NRHA Open World Champion, Star Spangled Whiz, made his way through the in gate, the crowd was all with him.  The athletic stallion, owned by Italy’s Fabrizio Bevilacqua, showed off his talent and once the run was over, a 227 was posted on the score board.  Italy’s 26-year-old non pro rider, Stefano Angelucci, riding his AB Captain Badger tried to best Sapergia’s score showing hard.  His ride was awarded a 226.5 and the pair settled for third place.

Second but last to go were Bernard Fonck and Roy De Bruin’s Great Sun Burst.  The pair had already claimed the NRHA Open European Affiliate Championship the day before with a score of 227.5.  “I knew I could ask him for more and that he would give me all he had”, said the Belgian professional. “He was there for me all the way and once we got done with the last stop I just knew we had made it to the winners circle!”.  And so they did.  After a breath taking performance, the score that appeared on the board was a 231, earning them the win. 

Sapergia, who is now Bevilaqua QH’s head trainer, took the reserve championship.  “I am very happy with the way this great horse went today.  I’ve only shooled him a couple of times in in the pen and this afternoon was the first time I really actually showed him  He was just great.”



Non Pro, Limited Open and Rookie European Champions Crowned

Givrins, 4 July 2010 –  Saturday and Sunday saw the crowning of the last three European Affiliate Champions of the 2009 edition.  On Saturday morning the European Affiliate Rookie Championship was won by Emily Scott riding her Enterprizing Footwork.  Emily and her mount had already claimed the NRHA EAC Youth 14-18 championship!  Reserve honors in this class went to Miranda Kant and her Its Dun Time.

Claiming the Non Pro European Afffiliate Championship was past NRHA Non Pro World Champion, Cira Baeck.  With a score of 223.5 Cira slid to her third consecutive Championship.  Reserve honors went to Italy’s Claudio Risso who posted a 219 riding his twelve-year-old stallion, RS Oregon N Jac.

On Sunday morning the last European Affiliate Championship class was held.  Earning the Limited Open Champion title was French Gregory Legrand riding New Doc Peppy Cat, owned by Julien Legrand.  The pair had already won the 2009 EAC Intermediate Open championship on Thursday afternoon.  Claiming the reserve championship in this division was yet another French rider, Julie Quinot, seen riding Sheza Strait Shooter for owner Jerome Farrenc.

Once again the show is a success thanks to the CS Classic main and historical sponsors, DVAG & SVAG.  A special thankyou to Mercedes, Navyboot and Nimbus, sponsors of the event along with NRHA Corporate Sponsors John Deere, Rios of Mercedes/Anderson Bean Boot Company, Classic Equine and Bob’s Custom Saddles – the ‘Official Saddle of NRHA’.

Attached:  Photo Cira Baeck & Gumpy Grumpy BB – Please credit Andrea Bonaga Photography


Once again the show is a success thanks to the CS Classic main and historical sponsors, DVAG & SVAG.  A special thankyou to Mercedes, Navyboot and Nimbus, sponsors of the event. For all the latest news, complete information, schedule, entries and results, please visit:  www.cs-ranch.eu

Photos above:
Bernard Fonck & Great Sun Burst and Cira Baeck & Gumpy Grumpy BB by Andrea Bonaga Photography