Riders Vie For Multiple National Honors In Merial Advanced Division at AEC
The Merial Advanced Division at the Nutrena/USEA American Eventing Championships may be one of the smallest in entries but it serves many purposes. $20,000 in prize money is being awarded to the top places in the Advanced division thanks to Merial and the division is also an Adequan USEA Gold Cup Division and the USEF National Advanced Championship.
Many of the top contenders for the year end $20,000 Adequan USEA Gold Cup are entered in the Advanced class at the AEC, a win here will give them an extra boost towards earning the top prize as bonus points are being awarded at the AEC for the Gold Cup leaderboard. Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM are currently tied for the lead on 465 points, but Alexandra Slusher and Last Call aren’t far behind though sitting on 450 points. A win at the AEC would rocket either one to the top. Allison Springer and Arthur are currently tied for fifth with 240 points on the Gold Cup Leaderboard, so if they were to earn the 300 points for first place they also have the chance to take home the $20,000 at the end of the year. Kadi Eykamp, Barbara Crabo, and Doug Payne also are currently on the leaderboard so the AEC points will definitely give them a boost up the rankings.
After the AEC, the only remaining Adequan USEA Gold Cup Event is at Twin Rivers on September 23-26. The year-end winner will be awarded their $20,000 check and will become keeper of the cup at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention on December 7-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The USEF Jack Le Goff trophy is awarded to the National Advanced Champion each year. The USEF has selected the AEC as selection for this champion. The highest placed American rider will earn the Jack Le Goff Trophy and be named the 2011 USEF National Advanced Champion. In addition ribbons will be awarded to the top 12 Americans.
Be sure and stay tuned to the USEA website next week to follow the exciting competition of the Merial Advanced division as riders try their best to be named USEA Advanced American Eventing Champion, Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion, and USEF National Advanced Champion!
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