For Immediate Release

Mill Spring, NC – June 6, 2019 – Kelli Cruciotti (USA) and Zidante cruised around Wednesday’s $6,000 1.40m Power & Speed Stake CSI 4* to open FEI competition at Tryon Spring 6 TR&HC Charity Horse Show, stopping the speed portion timers at 29.579 seconds. Savannah Jenkins (USA) and Quitana 11, a 2006 Holsteiner mare (Quick Star x Lucky Lionell) owned by Georgy Sarah Maskrey-Segesman, claimed second on a speed phase time of 30.178 seconds, while Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Le Vio, his own 2009 Hanoverian gelding (Van Gogh x Drosselklang II), cleared the speed test in 30.66 seconds to take third.

Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante
©Sportfot

Cruciotti and the 2004 Dutch Warmblood mare (Cantos x Herannus) owned by Serenity Farm have been paired for six years, competing together in the Junior Jumpers. “I’ve pretty much done everything with her. She has a heart of gold,” Cruciotti explained. “She tries so hard for me in every class. She loves to compete, and I think she wants to win more than I do, so she just loves it. She’s just an amazing horse.

“I loved the course,” Cruciotti said of the Kelvin Bywater (GBR) design. “This was my first time ever showing here. The ring felt great, and the horses jumped awesome. I’m looking forward to a great week.”

Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante in their presentation ceremony alongside Steve Rector, Ringmaster.
©Sportfot

Despite a speedy performance to take the win, “I actually just wanted to have a nice, efficient round,” Cruciotti admitted. “I wasn’t thinking about going super fast. My main goal with her this week is actually for Sunday in the $36,000 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 4*. She’s so naturally fast and she has her own rhythm, so it’s not hard to go fast. I just kind of have to let her go.

“This year has probably been one of her best years,” Cruciotti continued. “She won a 5* class in Wellington, she just last week won a 4* Speed Stake at Devon. She’s 15 years old, and she’s finding her stride now. I’m really proud of her.”

For full results from the $6,000 1.40m Power & Speed Stake CSI 4*, click here.