17/12/2011

American Richard Spooner and Cristallo scorched to victory in the second round of the most important competition of the CSI 5* La Coruna, the Telefónica Grand Prix.

Spooner did not make for any allowances living his rivals with a slim chance at improving his 40.17 seconds, 2,3 seconds faster than the second prize winners, the Swiss Beat Mändli and Una Traviatta (42,47 seconds) , the only other partnership apart from Mr Spooner and Crisallo who managed to complete the two courses with zero penalties.

This is the first competition for Richard Spooner at Casas Novas, he praised the organization and the facilities and commented on the great difficulty of the Grand Prix course, mainly due to its intelligent design carried out by Frank Rothenberger, the official course designer at Casas Novas. Ms Spooner also had a special mention for his Bay Stallion Cristallo, his favourite horse.

The other winners of the Telefónica Grand Prix were Vladimir Tuganov from Russia on Amarock (57,34 seconds) in third place, the fourth prize went to Sergio Alvarez Moya on Wisconsin 111 (40,53) and Brazil´s Bernardo Alves on Bridgit finished fifth (43,86).

The ADT prize to the best Spanish rider in the Grand Prix was awarded to Sergio Alvarez Moya.