Team Helios Storms Ahead in Opening Major League Show Jumping Team Competition
The fifth season of Major League Show Jumping hit full stride Friday at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, where Team Helios topped the $312,500 Cabana Coast Team Competition to seize an early lead in the overall standings.
Marina Azevedo (BRA) set the track for the evening’s event, which welcomed eight teams of three riders in the unique MLSJ format.
Team Helios, led by Helena Stormanns, got off to a strong start in round one, with two riders recording clear efforts, making the cut into the top four. In round two, Michael Duffy (IRL) aboard RMH Clinton Son and Rene Dittmer (GER) with Cody 139 produced two more clears to secure the team’s spot in the gold-medal jump-off. Returning in second place, the rest was up to final rider Roberto Teran (COL) and Dez’ Ooktoff.
Teran was the only Team Helios rider with previous experience in the MLSJ format, and his jump-off round proved to be a clutch one. He put just enough pressure on Julien Anquetin (FRA) and Blood Diamond du Pont, who came up short, taking the silver medal for the Roadrunners. Bronze went to the Trelawny Trailblazers after the day’s fastest jump-off time from Philip McGuane (IRL) and Paso Doble SCF.
“The second round was so important for us to be on the podium and be top two,” Teran reflected after the win. “That’s why we sent in the faster guys in the second round. They did a great job, and I just had to do a clear round. It happened and we’re here.”
Teran knew he could depend on his partner Dez’ Ooktoff, the big-strided 17-year-old stallion he’s piloted at the world’s top events.
“He has jumped all over the world – Aachen, Olympics, World Equestrian Games – he’s one of my top horses,” Teran continued. “He has given me everything. He can jump any five-star in the world, and he’s just a sweet guy.”
Helena Stormanns was intentional about crafting her team, which also includes her son, Tony Stormanns (GER), Richard Vogel (GER), and Genevieve Meyer (USA).
Read more:
