Friday, February 6, 2004

On The Scene - Wellington Dressage

Susan Dutta and Romeo DC Win $1000 FEI Prix St George

In the $1,000 FEI Prix St. Georges, Section A, Susan Dutta, 35, of Wellington, FL, took the win aboard her Romeo DC, owned by The Dutta Corporation, topping a class of 17 entries. The judges awarded her 66.50 % and were consistent in their scoring – Maryal Barnett at E awarded 264 points; Brenda Minor at C scored 271; and Sarah Geikie at M gave 263. Ashley Holzer riding Gambol placed second with 65.750%. Marco Bernal aboard Monopoly placed third, earning 64.833%

“I was very happy with my young horse,” said Dutta, who is showing Romeo DC in his first season in the small tour. She has owned and ridden the seven-year-old bay, 17-hand gelding by Rubenstein since he was three – a gift from husband Tim Dutta on their fifth wedding anniversary. “He concentrated and listened to me the entire test. I was worried about the distractions with all that’s going on here, but he was fine.”

Prior to her test, Dutta warmed up with Klaus Balkenhol, Coach for the US Dressage team, who has worked with her in Germany and the US, but was helping her for the first time at a show. Overall, Dutta said she was pleased with the ride, noting she had only one mistake in the three’s. “It was conservative but steady. These rides are building blocks to spectacular,” said Dutta.