Beezie Madden won the Grand Prix de Wolden in Zuidwolde on Sunday. The US Olympic Gold medallist, who stood as a sure thing for Team USA’s squad for World Equestrian Games in September, broke her collarbone only two months ago. However, the top-ranked lady rider looks to be on her way back. Beating Dutch Olympic Silver medalist Jur Vrieling and Belgium’s Kevin Gielen.
Seven combinations were qualified for the jump-off of the 1.45m Grand Prix. Beezie Madden jumped a clear round with Cortes C in a time of 37.84 seconds, and no one came close to her time. Jur Vrieling and the KWPN stallion Zavall VDL finished second with a time of 40.12 seconds, while Belgium’s Kevin Gielen and Fariska finished in third place.
“Maybe this win will help” said Madden after the prize giving ceremony. Chef d’Equipe Rober Ridland will be observing at the Nations Cup events in Hickstead and Dublin before making the final decision for WEG in September. Such a win is surely a needed boost to the top-ranked lady rider, who suffered the accident that broke her collar bone just ahead of the prime observation time for World Equestrian Game selection. The Grand Prix of Wolden was only her second event since her injury.
Beezie Madden will attend CSI5* Treffen, in Austria this week with fellow American team riders Lucy Davis, Katie Dinan, Reed Kessler and Lauren Hough. Beezie will ride Breitling PS and Coral Reef Via Volo. With such tremendous performances from Lucy Davis, Kent Farrington and Lauren Hough this past week in Aachen, Madden will have her hands full as the final weeks build pressure for the top four placements for the World Equestrian Games in September.
Results Grand Prix of Wolden 2014
1. Beezie Madden (USA), Cortes C, 0-37.84
2. Vrieling (NED, Zavall VDL, 0-40.12
3. Kevin Gielen (BEL), Fariska, 0-40.59
4. Mareille van Geel (NED), Brayn, 0-43.84