WILLIAMSBURG — American Karl Cook is always a force to be reckoned with in speed action, and paired once again with his longtime partner Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet, the duo is picking up major results.
On Thursday of week three of the Tournament of Champions, they earned a win in the $31,020 AGC CSI5* Speed.
Around Ireland’s Alan Wade’s course, Cook clocked a time of 58.76 seconds, the only pair to drop below the 60-second mark throughout the class.
“I love riding that mare,” Cook said. “She’s just the best and it’s so much fun to go out there with her.”
Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen (USA) and Mochito v/d Mishagen finished second in 60.09 seconds, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) and L’Eperon-S took third.
Ehman, Laganixx take American Gold Cup CSI2* Welcome
Thursday was a big day for Isabelle Ehman (USA) as well, as she took the top call aboard Laganixx in the $31,020 American Gold Cup CSI2* Welcome. Going up against a field that included McLain Ward (USA), Christian Kukuk (GER), and Kent Farrington (USA), Ehman delivered a foot-perfect round for a memorable victory.
Laganixx, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, is a newer ride for Ehman, but the partnership has already competed successfully up to the CSI4* level.
“I’d love to make the Olympics, I’d love to be a five-star [competitor], I want to go all the way,” Ehman said. “We just want to do it right and take our time.”