It was a day of firsts for Canadian Isabelle Lapierre, as the 38 year old rode her own Cescha M to her first World Cup qualifier victory and her mount’s World Cup qualifier debut at the opening leg of the 2017 /2018 season of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League at Bromont (CAN).

In front of a hometown crowd, the Quebec native vanquished a six horse jump off. Jennifer Serek and Wicked took runner-up honors, and Heather Caristo-Williams and Qui Vive des Songes Z were third.

“She had a very good year, and she’s always trying to win,” Lapierre said. “We built her up, and she’s just improving every year.”

Third to return over the shortened track designed by Belgium’s Luc Musette, Lapierre took over the lead briefly set by Serek, crossing the timers in 43.39 seconds, and held through to the end, as neither Ali Ramsay (CAN) nor Chalie Jacobs (USA), riding his 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final partner Cassinja S, could jump cleanly or catch her time.

“Every time I jump here, I feel the crowd is jumping with me,” she added. “I think that’s why I went faster than Jen. The crowd was pushing me. I had an advantage.”

The first World Cup qualifier of the 2017/2018 season in Bromont (CAN) kicked off the east coast sub league of the North American League. The west coast sub league begins at Langley on Sunday 27 August 2017.

Result:
1. Cescha M, Isabelle Lapierre (CAN) 0/0 43.39
2. Wicked, Jenn Serek (CAN) 0/0 43.70
3. Qui Vive des Songes Z, Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) 0/4 45.73
4. Coulash van de Broy Z, Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) 0/7 56.16
5. Hermelien vd Hooghoeve, Ali Ramsay (CAN) 0/8 43.82
6. Cassinja S, Charlie Jacobs (USA) 0/8 45.22

FEI press release