Holly Smith 2nd in Vejer Grand Prix
Sunday 13 March 2022
It was just a fraction of a second that saw Holly Smith relegated to 2nd place with T J Hall Ltd and her own 12 year-old chestnut Fruselli earlier today in the CSI 4* Andalucia MT Grand Prix at Vejer de la Frontera, Spain.
The 1.50m Grand Prix which had seen sixty-four come forward in the first round culminated with a thrilling jump-off which thirteen combinations came forward to contest. It was nine which managed to achieve a double clear with it being so hard fought that there was less than two seconds separating the top four places.
The win went to Mariano Martinez Bastida and the 13 year-old Belano vd Wijnhoeve Z when they stopped the clock in 36.76 seconds. Hot on their heels was Holly, who flew round in what was also an incredibly fast time to break the finish line just a fraction slower in 36.99 seconds. Looking extremely strong their stylish double clear was enough to nudge Jens Baackmann (GER) and Aglaia into 3rd and Penelope Leprevost (FRA) and GFE Candy de Nantuel into 4th with their times of 37.61 and 37.72 respectively.
Robert Whitaker with the 9 year-old Vermento were the next highest placed Brit with their first round clear and an unlucky 4 faults in the second. It was definitely an unfortunate touch of a pole for them as they stopped the clock in 36.54 seconds which proved the fastest time of the competition.
For full results click here
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