Lucienne Bellissimo Stays on Top After Cross-Country in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, Presented by Insurance Office of America
Lucienne Bellissimo Stays on Top After Cross-Country in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, Presented by Insurance Office of America
Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) and Tremanton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Myakka City, Fla. – Nov. 18, 2023 – Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) of Campobello, South Carolina, blasted across the cross-country course in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, at The Event at TerraNova, maintaining her status as leader on Tremanton (Graffentoltz/Trevia), a bay Thoroughbred-cross mare. Bellissimo also took the lead in the CCI1*-L with Duke’s Jory (Duke of Heart/Zajora), a bay Holsteiner gelding. Both horses are owned by Horse Scout Eventing LLC.
In the final analysis, it all came down to the clock on the cross-country course. Bellissimo completed the run with a razor-thin lead of two-tenths of a second over Jenny Caras (USA) of Cartersville, Georgia, on Tre++ndy Fernhill (ARS Vivendi/Cruising Girl), a bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg. Bellissimo scored 34.7 and Caras 34.9. Caras, the only rider to finish the course within the optimum time, also placed fourth on Sommersby (Sergeant Pepper/D’Mademoiselle), a bay Holsteiner gelding she co-owns with Jerry Hollis.
Both riders cleared all 30 fences on Capt. Mark Phillips’ 5,710-meter course, which competitors said was fair and rode well. The twisty-turny track was built progressively. The first six obstacles were straightforward, and then the technicality of the fences came up quickly.
Jenny Caras (USA) with Trendy Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Bellissimo said her starting plan was to “just try and move a little bit on landing, and until I’ve got through the first couple of combinations, not try and get ahead of myself too much with her,” as it was Tremanton’s first 4*-L. Once the horse grew in confidence on the course and was “in a good head space,” Bellissimo said, “I started to put my foot down a little bit more and take a few more chances.” The mare stayed on task all the way through.
Caras called her two horses “complete opposites” and said they “couldn’t be more different.” While Trendy Fernhill has some mileage, this was only Sommersby’s third advanced competition. “He tried really hard. He’s a little spooky, so you kind of have to keep him in front of you. I ended up being quick and efficient on him, which I was really pleased with.”
William Coleman, in second place going into cross-country, placed third.
William Coleman (USA) and Diabolo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Riders in all divisions found the courses educational. “Each fence asked a question that set you up for the next one,” said Alyssa Phillips (USA) of Fort Worth, Texas, who maintained the lead on her own Cornelius Bo (Concous Complet/Charlotte) in the The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby's International Realty. She said the sequence built the horses’ confidence and helped keep them mentally fresh. “The course rode fantastic.”
The competition wraps up Sunday with stadium jumping.
Alyssa Phillips (USA) and Cornelius Bo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman
Watch the video! Lucienne Bellissimo shares details of her Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, cross-country ride with Tremanton. Thumbnail image by Shannon Brinkman
Watch The Event at TerraNova livestream from home or the barn! Catch the exciting action of the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, as well as The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby's International Realty.
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Weekend Events
The Event at TerraNova is a great way to spend a family-friendly day in the country and enjoy top-notch equestrian sport, fun kids’ activities, boutique shopping and food truck fare. For kids, TerraNova Tiny Town Children’s Village is a wonderland to explore and play. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, kids ages 5-12 are invited to a Mini Horsemanship Camp with Libby Neily and miniature horses.
On Sunday, Nov. 19, during the show jumping phase of competition, the TerraNova Equestrian Foundation will host a special Empty Bowls event. Symbolizing the importance of coming together to fill the bowls of our community members in need, the event benefits the Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, salad, bread and desserts from fan-favorite local restaurants and take home a keepsake ceramic bowl.
Restaurants participating include Almazonica, Atria, Jaime’s Cake Creations, Georgie’s Garden Café, Michaels on East, Myakka City Grill, Owen’s Fish Camp, Pink Cloud Catering, Selva Sarasota, Tsunami and St. Armands Baking Company.
Fast Facts
WHAT: The Event at TerraNova, featuring:
Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America.
The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby's International Realty.
CCI2*-L, presented by Miakka Golf Club.
Advanced, presented by Michael Saunders.
WHERE: TerraNova Equestrian Center
31625 Clay Gully Rd. Myakka City, FL 34251
WHEN: Nov. 16-19, 2023
SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
SUNDAY
8 a.m. Horse Inspection for all FEI long format horses.
9 a.m. All Horse Trials Cross-Country.
10 a.m. All FEI Show Jumping - Mounted awards following each division.
11 a.m. Empty Bowls Event to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
Awards Presentations
MEDIA CONTACT
Carrie Wirth, EQ Media
Carrie@EQMedia.Agency | 612-209-0310
