Sunday, June 9, 2002

Debbie McDonald and Brentina Win Grand Prix And Move Into Top Spot - page 2

Dealing With the Pressures

McDonald, 48, of Haily, Idaho, said that she felt the pressure in this class after her disappointing fifth place finish in last weekend’s Grand Prix. “It was a much better test [today]. I don’t know why. I was just as nervous. We’re better acclimated,” said McDonald. She said that Brentina, owned by Peggy and Parry Thomas, was “better in last weekend’s Special,” which she won with 73.40%. McDonald called her ride today, “Conservative, but it was a strong, clean performance.”

Brentina was not given any medication for her hives because of the competition. McDonald said she chose to let the 16.2-hand, 11-year-old Hanoverian mare “overcome it on her own. She wasn’t acting itchy.” McDonald stated that she did not plan to be excused from competing in the Freestyle on Sunday. “I think she’s fine.” The mare’s breathing was much better this weekend and McDonald noted that it is the humidity, not heat, that bothers Brentina, and she does not anticipate that Spain’s warm climate will present a problem.