Amateur rider Lucy Davis out-gunned the professionals in the jump-off to claim the $50,000 HITS Thermal CSI World Cup qualifier, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Another amateur, Saer Coulter, and Springtime claimed the second slot.

Both Davis and Coulter are not far out of the junior ranks.   In 2010 they were teammates on the Zone 10 team which won the gold medal in the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships. They also rode on a Nations Cup team last November that won the gold medal in the CSIO Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

The World Cup qualifying track set by Olaf Peterson (Germany) was tough and only 5 of the 25 starting field moved forward into the jump-off.  First to go was Kirsten Coe, riding Tristan, winners of Thursday's Grand Prix.  She was clear, but her time allowed room for the competition.  Rich Fellers and Flexible were next and they put down a blazing fast round, but had a rail which eventually left them in fourth place.  Coulter was next and she was not only clear, but improved on Coe's time.  Duncan McFarlane and Mr. Whoopy had rails to earn the fifth place ribbon.  Then it was up to Davis and Nemo 119 who was very exuberant and kicking out as they prepared to start their round.  Their clean and fast round delighted the standing room only crowd which roared it's approval when they sped through the timers.

Lucy Davis and Nemo 119.  ©2011 moranequinephoto.com

Runners up Saer Coulter and Springtime.  ©2011 Moranequinephoto.com