Ifko and Un Diamant des Forets Show Need for Speed in CSI3* tbird Qualifier 1.45m

schedule

23/09/2022

Jim Ifko (CAN) had a specific plan of attack for the 13-horse jump-off that had assembled for the CSI3* tbird Qualifier 1.45m, Thursday’s feature event at the BCHJA Fall Finale.
Ifko identified two distinct gallop lanes in Peter Holmes’ (CAN) short track, and he knew his competitors would be making the most of those opportunities. He hoped he could set himself apart with tighter turns, and his longtime partner Un Diamant des Forets quickly understood the assignment.
“It was amazing. One turn, we turned a lot shorter than I was expecting. All I did was land and look to left and all of a sudden, he was gone!“ Ifko explained. “As soon as I looked, he was on his way, and it nearly caught me by surprise.“
Ifko and “Monty“ sped right to the top of the class, recording their 11th career international victory with a winning time of 37.37 seconds. Uma O’Neill (NZL) and Clockwise of Greenhill Z galloped into second (39.13), just ahead of Bretton Chad (CAN) and Grandeur WP (39.18), in a class where the lead changed hands numerous times.
“He’s definitely confident and courageous. He’s an absolute adrenaline junkie. His need for speed is remarkable,” Ifko said. “Yet at home, he’s the sweetest, kindest horse and so quiet. I think when you see him at a show, it’s like Jekyll and Hyde.”

$37,200 CSI3* tbird Qualifier 1.45m
Place / Horse / Rider / Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time
    Un Diamant des Forets / Jim Ifko / CAN / Eventyre Farms Ltd / 0/0 37.37
    Clockwise of Greenhill Z / Uma O’Neill / NZL / Uma O’Neill / 0/0 39.13
    Grandeur WP / Bretton Chad / CAN / Stone Ridge Farms LLC / 0/0 39.18
    Chic d Emma Z / Samantha Buirs-Darvill / CAN / Samantha Buirs-Darvill / 0/0 39.49
    Kingston / Vanessa Mannix / CAN / Vanessa Mannix / 0/0 39.63
    Lavallino Ter Klomp / Jennifer Waxman / USA / Lost Lake Farm LLC / 0/0 39.87
    Casturano / Samantha Buirs-Darvill / CAN / Meredith Ellis / 0/0 41.03
    Battlecry / Tiffany Foster / CAN / Artisan Farms LLC / 0/0 41.11
    London’s de Muze / Uma O’Neill / NZL / Uma O’Neill / 0/0 42.41
    Celine LS La Silla / Rachel Cornacchia / CAN / Eventyre Farms Ltd / 0/4 41.05
HSJ
THUNDERBIRD SHOW PARK PRESS RELEASE
Photo ©tbird/Kady Risby – Jim Ifko (CAN) and Un Diamant des Forets.