Clean Sweep in Italy for Unstoppable Simone Pearce

Simone Pearce remains an unstoppable force as she swept the board this weekend at the CDI4* Ornago in Italy claiming victory in all four Grand Prix classes at the event.

Two of Simone’s triumphs were aboard Destano, the 14-year-old black Hanoverian stallion with whom she holds the current Australian Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special records. At Ornago Simone and Destano finished first in both the Grand Prix (for Grand Prix Special) and Grand Prix Special.

Simone also had a second ride in the Grand Prix (for Grand Prix Special) class with the chestnut stallion Double Joy 4, who was making his international debut, to finish in 5th place with an impressive performance.

Amandori, a 10-year-old bay German Sport Horse stallion, also carried Simone to a further two victories in the Grand Prix (for Grand Prix Freestyle) and Grand Prix Freestyle.

“A few little green moments and a very costly mistake in the zig-zag but so many nice moments, and he’s still just starting out at this level. I am so proud of him and excited to see what the future holds,” said Simone of Amandori.

Incredibly, Simone took to the CDI4* Grand Prix arena on five occasions throughout the duration of event and finished with five scores above 71%, ensuring she remains one to watch as the competition season continues and Tokyo 2020 Olympic selection draws near.

"There are no words for what a fabulous show we have had here at the CDI4* Ornago. We had a clean sweep winning in all four Grand Prix classes. My youg star Amandori won the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle and I am super proud that he is now also qualified and has met the Australian Olympic Team requirements.

"A huge thanks to these amazing horses: Destano, Amandori, Double Joy and Quando it's all thanks to them and I am forever grateful to all my special horses for everything they do for me," says Simone.

In addition to her Grand Prix horses Simone also competed Quando Unico at the event in the 7yo Preliminary competition to claim a runaway victory with a score of 83.732%, more than 4% ahead of a second place. “I’m blown away,” remarked Simone of the outstanding result.

Simone has been based in Europe for close to ten years and currently resides in Germany where she has ridden for Gestüt Sprehe since 2018.

Results from CDI4* Ornago, Italy

CDI4* Grand Prix for Grand Prix Special
Simone Pearce and Destano – 72.348%, 1st place
Simone Pearce and Double Joy 4 – 71.022%, 5th place

CDI4* Grand Prix for Grand Prix Freestyle
Simone Pearce and Amandori – 72.957%, 1st place

CDI4* Grand Prix Special
Simone Pearce and Destano – 74.277%, 1st place

CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle
Simone Pearce and Amandori – 76.450%, 1st place

7yo Preliminary
Simone Pearce and Quando Unico – 83.732%, 1st place

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia