SVAG CS Classic, Cody Sapergia and Nu Chexomatic win the $30-added SVAG CS Classic NRHA Open

Givrins, July 6 –  Eight riders made their way into the beautiful CS Ranch arena to fight for the highest step of the podium in the $30,000-added SVAG CS Classic NRHA approved Open.  When NRHA Professional Cody Sapergia rode Jacpoint Quarter Horses‘ Nu Chexomatic in the show pen, the score to beat was the 225.5 posted by NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Bernard Fonck riding Catllemans Cash (Wimpys Little Step x Trophys Peppy Jay) for BVBA Van Roosbroek & ZN.  With the flashy palomino by Nu Chex To Cash and out of Tejons Texie Lena between the reins, Sapergia meant business from the first stop and back requested by NRHA pattern n.10 and once he closed his performance with a deep stop that set the dirt flying, the score that appeared on the score board was a 228.  Their score remained unbeat and they took home both the win, the paycheck, the CS Classic Bronze Trophy as well as an Audemars Piguet pen and an XCS Blanket, official sponsors of the Show.
 
„This is just a very special horse,“ said Cody about the six-year-old gelding aka ‚Duke bred by Hilldale Farm, USA.  „I’ve been helping Tina (Mantl) with him and riding him myself for the past year and a half and he’s such an easy horse to manage.“
 
With a score of 226.5, the reserve championship was claimed by NRHA Professional and 2012 IRHA/NRHA Derby L 4 Open Champions Cira Baeck and Whizasunnysailor BB, owned by Ruediger Diedenhofen.  „My goal was that of trying to do the best I could considering the high level of both the horses and the riders I was competing against.  ‚Sailor‘ is such a sweet and special horse and he was there for me all the way and I am so proud of him,“ said Cira about the five-year-old gelding by Topsail Whiz and out of Walla Walla Sunshine bred by Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck.  Cira also took home the special voucher for a pair of tailor made reining chaps offered by  CS Classic sponsors, Blue Nugget, for being the lady with the highest score of the Show along with an Audemars Piguet Zegna Plaid and an XCS Blanket.
 
Once the last contestant left the arena, Fonck and Cattlemans Cash settled for third place honors followed by Dominik Reminder who scored a 224.5 riding his own GR JFB Boy (Solanoswarlee Boy x JFB Glo).
 
The Celebrity Reining
 
As soon as the prestigious Open was over, it was time for the Celebrity Reining which once again saw 7 time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher compete against four TV celebrities:  Birgit von Bentzel from RTL Germany, Christophe Malbranque from French Eurosport, Steven Proven from SBS Belgium TV and Manuela Baraschi from Sky Italia.  The crowd pleasing fun competition closed the SVAG CS Classic week with Birgit von Bentzel stepping on the highest step of the podium riding Golden Jac N Win owned and generously made available by Sabine Staub.  „I totally enjoyed the relaxed and fun atmosphere around the show,“ said Birgit who was coached for the occasion by Terry Schulz from Mooslargue (France). „I rode my first reiner two days ago and I can assure you that nobody who saw me then would have believed that I could have won today!“
The Celebrity Reining is also charity oriented and the Charity Birgit is riding for is RTL Spenden Marathon.  „This specific project is child oriented and I love children so I am very happy and honored to have been able to contribute somehow toward the children in need around the world.“
 
Micheal Schumacher riding Sparkin Tinsel, owned by his wife Corinna, slid to the second second step of the podium.  Micheal was coached by the CS Ranch head-trainer, Shauna Larcombe.  „Once again I had fun with this competition and I am happy that F1 presenters from all over Europe supported this idea,“ says Micheal.
 
In third place was Steven Proven riding Bubblicious Gump BB, generously made available by Rudiger Diedenhofen.  Steven trained at Eifel Gold Ranch with Cira Baeck.
 
Ancillary Action Today:

The $300-added Limited Non Pro class opened todays‘ competition.  Taking the win, in a field of 24, was Pascale De Decker of Belgium riding her ND Smart Pleasedunit (Chic Please x Its Hollywood Lights).  Pascale rides under the guidance of Quentin Galliere who actually broke and trained this eight-year-old gelding.  „I’m super happy,“ said Pascale.  „This is my first win with this amazing horse and I am now really looking forward to showing him next week at the NRHA European Affiliate Championship where we’re qualified in the Rookie class and where Quentin qualified with him in the Limited Open class.“
Roberta Gianformaggio of Italy settled for second place honors with a score of 210.5 riding her Top Of The Top (Chic Please x Its Hollywood Lights).  „I’m really pleased with this result as this is only the third time that I‘ve shown this horse,“ said Roberta.
 
Winning the Youth 13 & Under, with a score of 201, was Mick Betsch riding RS Esplendidos Olena(Spat Olena x RS Cheerry Miss Jac).  For Mick, today was a special day as he conquered his first NRHA trophy.  „This is only the second show for Mick and I am really proud of him,“ said Shauna Larcombe, head trainer at CS Ranch, who coaches the young Swiss rider.  „He is wonderful to work with at home, always tries to do his best and is very talented.“
In second place, a half a point behind the winners, were Flurin Staub and The Chief Tain (Hotroddin Sailor x Freckled Piros.
Winning the Youth 14-18 with a score of 211 was Gina Maria riding Gunners Hollywood Dol (Hollywood Dun It x Docs Little Gunner).  The young Swiss youth also claimed second place honors, with a score of 207.5, riding Topsail McJac (Topsail Whiz x Rs Feona McJac). Shauna Larcombe who also coaches Gina, was quick to praise her student for placing her two mounts in the top two slots.
 
A special thankyou to the fun and horse action provided by the Europa Park artists!
 
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