Thermal, Calif. – Ali Ramsay and Domina VH Scheefkasteel Z took home the top honor in the $15,000 Champion Shavings 1.40m Open Classic on March 26, marking their second week in a row winning the class at Desert International Horse Park.
Ali Ramsay and Domina VH Scheefkasteel Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Going two-for-two in the Thursday morning featured class at Desert Spring Fling is particularly impressive given that Ramsay and “Dory’s” win during Desert Spring Fling 1 was also their debut at the 1.40m height. Ramsay just began riding the 10-year-old Zangersheide mare a few weeks ago, after Dory’s owner – and fellow Canadian rider – Jaclyn Duff sustained an injury. In the short time since then, Ramsay and Dory have meshed quickly, as was evident by their winning round at Desert Spring Fling 2.
“If it’s possible, she felt even better when I warmed her up today,” said Ramsay. “I think we’re really starting to get to know each other. I can’t say enough good things about this horse, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to show her.”
Bradley Bowns of DIHP presented Ali Ramsay and Domina VH Scheefkasteel Z as the winners of the $15,000 Champion Shavings 1.40m Open Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The duo was one of 33 entries to take on the track set in the Grand Prix Stadium by course designer Steffen Bühling, and following the immediate jump-off format, they quickly took over the top of the leaderboard with a time of 33.416 seconds. While 10 additional entries also qualified for the short course, none would catch Ramsay’s time.
Finishing in a close second place with a time of 33.700 seconds were Alyce Bittar and her own Cezanne B. Third place on 34.175 seconds went to James Chawke and Rananka-A, owned by Britt Scheifele.
“I thought this jump-off really suited her because it was pretty twisty-turny with chances to get inside,” said Ramsay. “[Dory is] so fast. She’s so competitive. I can kind of trust her to be game for anything.”
Second place went to Alyce Bittar and her own Cezanne B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
In addition to their two, back-to-back 1.40m wins, Ramsay and Domina VH Scheefkasteel Z also finished in a very close second place in Desert Spring Fling 1’s $75,000 C3RV Grand Prix. Now, Ramsay will be looking to only better that performance in Friday, March 27’s $75,000 Platinum Performance Grand Prix.
“I felt the pressure was on because, to try to top last week, we’re going to have to win both classes this week. So, at least we’ve started it off the proper way!” said Ramsay.
For complete results from the $15,000 Champion Shavings 1.40m Open Classic, click here.