The Virtual Equestrian - Rolex FEI World Cup Final Meredith wins the Showjumping in Fine Style

Rolex FEI World Cup Final Meredith wins the Showjumping in Fine Style

Meredith Wins in Fine Style
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) yesterday (Sunday 19th April 2009) won the Rolex FEI World Cup^TM Jumping Final III, crowning her the Rolex FEI World Cup^TM Champion at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas.
Riding Shutterfly, Meredith had two immaculate clear rounds ahead of 2nd placed McLain Ward (USA) on Sapphire and 3rd placed Albert ZOER (NED), on Oki Doki.

1. Meredith MICHAELS-BEERBAUM (GER), SHUTTERFLY
Pic: Berni Saunders, www.cyberhorse.net.au/tve

Meredith said in an interview, that the win was great as she previously qualified for this event and had a mistake which caused Shutterfly to move away from her desired line of travel and they parted company resulting in a fall which cost her any chance at victory.

In 2009 Meredith showed per skill and judgement taking advantage of Shutterfly's nimble footwork and preparedness to trust her and execute the tight turns presented by the course designer, perfectly. Shutterfly has been ridden by a number of the top names in the sport but none managed to build the rapport that is evident in this combination - Meredith and Shutterfly are certainly highlights for the sport of Showjumping.

McLain Ward riding his wonderful chestnut mare Sapphire was looking to take advantage of the home ground advantage and said in a FEI TV interview before the competition "we have been knocking on the door and hope that everything comes together for this final!" McLain and Sapphire were favourites with this appreciative crowd and it is a notable career highlight to achieve a podium finish at the World Cup Final.

2. McLain WARD (USA,), SAPPHIRE
Pic: Berni Saunders, www.cyberhorse.net.au/tve

Top 10 Overall Placings at the FEI World Cup, after Final III

1. Meredith MICHAELS-BEERBAUM (GER), SHUTTERFLY

2. McLain WARD (USA,), SAPPHIRE

3. Albert ZOER (NED), OKI DOKI
Pic right Kit Houghton, FEI

4. Christina LIEBHERR (SUI), L.B. NO MERCY

5. Rodrigo PESSOA (BRA), RUFUS

6. Ludger BEERBAUM (GER), COUPE DE COEUR

7. Ben MAHER (GBR),
ROBIN HOOD W

8. Steve GUERDAT (SUI), TRESOR

9. Thomas VELIN (DEN), GRIM ST. CLAIR

10. Daniel Etter (SUI), Peu a Peu

1. Meredith MICHAELS-BEERBAUM (GER), SHUTTERFLY
Pic: Berni Saunders, www.cyberhorse.net.au/tve