News
Corrie-Deane and Jack Johnson 2, high achievers in Cascais
- Written By: British Dressage | Joanna Bowns
- Published: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:20
Angus Corrie-Deane and Jack Johnson 2 were unbeaten in the Small Tour classes at Cascais CDI3*, held at the Estoril Coast Equestrian Centre in Portugal (17 – 19 February 2023).
Fresh from three top-two placings at Exloo CDI last month, Angus, 23, and his 10-year-old gelding Jack Johnson 2 (Johnson x Scandic) posted two international PB scores to win both Saturday’s Prix St Georges and Sunday’s Intermediate I on 71.647% and 72.265% respectively. Angus's younger ride, Don Darius, also showed his potential on his CDI debut.
“I’m over the moon and I’m very proud of the two boys,” commented Angus. “I’ve had Jacob (Jack Johnson 2) since he was three and Darius since he was 18 months old. They’re the first horses I’ve had since babies and it’s an honour to have horses for so long, and such quality horses.”
Angus recently made the move to the Continent to be based at VIX Equestrian in Riel, the Netherlands, where he trains with Finnish Grand Prix rider Joanna Robinson. “I had just finished university so was able to up and go, and this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” he explained. “Being based in mainland Europe gives the ability to travel to all the shows, and I also wanted to add tools to my toolbox.
“I was comfortable at home, but I thought ‘let’s push myself’ and it’s paying dividends. Going from a small yard to a larger set-up and being surrounded by people gearing up for big competitions, you really go through the gears. It really makes you up your game."
Together with his nine-year-old Don Index x Stedinger gelding, Don Darius, Angus also took second place in the Prix St Georges and fourth place in the Intermediate I. Angus was delighted with the attitude and aptitude of this international first-timer who was bred by Gamblethorpe Hanoverians in Yorkshire; “Darius is a really good horse. He doesn’t yet have the confidence in the arena for the higher marks, but that will come.
“Hopefully Jacob can now step up to U25 Grand Prix. I think both horses have the potential to have a bright future at Grand Prix level,” he added.
Next stop for Angus and his team will be Beloura CDI, also in Portugal, later this week. “It’s such a good education for the horses and a nice way of shortening the winter. Then we head back to Holland, back to the younger horses."
British Junior, Emma Howson, who is based relatively locally in Albufeira, Portugal, performed well in the CDIJ division to achieve two podium placings on her international debut. Partnered by her nine-year-old Ampere son, Junky XL, she earned 68.030% for third place in the Junior Team Test and 66.912% for second in the Junior Individual.
Results: top three and British placings
CDI1* Prix St Georges
1. Angus Corrie-Deane and Jack Johnson 2, 71.647% (GBR)
2. Angus Corrie-Deane and Don Darius, 68.617% (GBR)
3. Daniel Pinto and Ecuador di Fonte Abe, 68.559% (POR)
CDI1* Intermediate I
1. Angus Corrie-Deane and Jack Johnson 2, 72.265% (GBR)
2. Remy Bastings and Improver, 69.706% (NED)
3. Daniel Pinto and Ecuador di Fonte Abe, 69.559% (POR)
4. Angus Corrie-Deane and Don Darius, 67.177% (GBR)
CDIJ Junior Team Test
1. Lisa Bartz and El Romana Plus, 70.636% (ITA)
2. Lisa Bartz and Delgado, 68.515% (ITA)
3. Emma Howson and Junky XL, 68.030% (GBR)
CDIJ Junior Individual Test
1. Lisa Bartz and El Romana Plus, 70.735% (ITA)
2. Emma Howson and Junky XL, 66.912% (GBR)
3. Mariana André and Iceberg de Tineo, 66.118% (POR)
Photo © Rui Pedro Godinho
