Abigail McArdle Fights Back to Claim $40,000 Great Lakes Classic CSI3* During GLEF Week VI

Traverse City, Mich. – Aug. 11, 2017 – On Friday afternoon, Abigail McArdle of the USA claimed the $40,000 Great Lakes Classic CSI3*, presented by Triple C Trailer Sales Inc., aboard Chuck Berry 8 at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF). After Olympian Margie Engle (USA) took over McArdle’s original lead with Cade, the 23-year-old professional rider returned with her second mount qualified for the jump-off to re-take the victory from Engle in an exciting tie-breaking round.

The first round course, built by Canadian course designer Michel Vaillancourt, saw 13 out of 32 finish faultlessly to advance to the jump-off, while nine finished double-clear.

McArdle was all business as she returned first to challenge the short course with Cade, owned by David McArdle, finishing in 33.54 seconds.

The pair was able to hold on to their lead for three rounds until Australia’s Scott Keach and Southern Cross Equestrian LLC’s Fedor bested McArdle’s time in 33.12 seconds. However, his lead was short-lived as only two rounds later show jumping veterans Engle and Royce, owned by Gladewinds Partners LLC, took over the top spot in 32.18 seconds.

Fortunately for McArdle, she had one more shot to re-claim her title with her second mount in the jump-off, Chuck Berry 8, owned by Plain Bay Sales. She and the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding put the pedal to the metal and crossed the finish line one second faster than Engle in 31.81 seconds. Engle finished behind McArdle in second place, while Keach grabbed the yellow ribbon for third place and McArdle claimed fourth place with Cade.

The 2017 GLEF will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Flintfields Horse Park at 2 p.m. with the highly anticipated $100,000 Grand Prix of Traverse City CSI3*. Prior to Sunday’s main event in the Grand Prix Ring will be the popular Great Lakes Leadline class, the ROMFH Leading Rider Awards and the Parade of Champions. In addition, the Karin Flint Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the rider/trainer who has demonstrated outstanding horsemanship and achievement throughout GLEF. Family fun activities will also kick-off at noon featuring face painting, a bounce house, balloon artist, boutique shopping and more! The second pop-up farmers market, presented by Oryana and Taste the Local Difference, will be held from 11–2:30 p.m. Click here to buy tickets for Sunday’s grand finale at GLEF!

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Abigail McArdle – $40,000 Great Lakes Classic CSI3*, presented by Triple C Trailer Sales Inc., winner

On Chuck Berry 8:
“We got [Chuck Berry 8] at the end of the winter circuit, and we’ve brought him along slowly. He won the 3* in Tryon, and that was kind of his breakout moment. He’s a sale horse so he could end up making somebody a really nice horse.”

On where she won the class:
“Going clear with my first horse, Cade, who’s my horse and a veteran 15-year-old, gave me a great confidence boost. After that, I knew where I could go faster [with Chuck Berry 8]. I tried to open up the stride down the first line [to leave out in six strides] and he was fantastic.”

On GLEF.
“I love it here. It’s our second year here. We came last year, and it’s just a great venue.”

On having two in the top four:
“I feel on top right now, but that’s the sport. One minute you’re on top, and the next you’re not so I’ll take it while I can!”

RESULTS

$40,000 Great Lakes Classic CSI3*, presented by Triple C Trailer Sales Inc.:
Place / Horse / Rider / Country / Owner / R1 Faults / R2 Faults / Time
1. Chuck Berry 8 / Abigail McArdle / USA / Plain Bay Sales / 0 / 0 / 31.81
2. Royce / Margie Engle / USA / Gladewinds Partners LLC / 0 / 0 / 32.18
3. Fedor / Scott Keach / AUS / Southern Cross Equestrian LLC / 0 / 0 / 33.12
4. Cade / Abigail McArdle / USA / David McArdle / 0 / 0 / 33.54
5. HH Quatuor / Quentin Judge / USA / Double H Farm / 0 / 0 / 33.81
6. Redmond / Alberto Michan / MEX / Brianne Goutal LLC / 0 / 0 / 35.02
7. Van Gogh / Theo Genn / USA / Wilhelm Genn / 0 / 0 / 35.26
8. Barnetta / Sharn Wordley / NZL / Sky Group / 0 / 0 / 35.42
9. Eax Run Run LS / Ilan Bluman / COL / Blue Star Investments / 0 / 0 / 35.69
10. Hunter ST Anna Z / Ilan Ferder / ISR / Lovsta Stuteri / 0 / 4 / 36.14
11. Charline 28 / Kady Abrahamson / USA / Abrahamson Equestrian LLC / 0 / 8 / 37.82
12. Bull Run’s Testify / Kristen Vanderveen / USA / Bull Run Jumpers Inc. / 0 / 12 / 35.62