Parker, Colo.—July 12
When you ask Christian Heineking how his summer’s been going, he’ll answer modestly, telling you that things are “moving in the right direction.”
That’s an understatement. Today Heineking and AJE Cluny scored their second grand prix win in a row in the $100,000 Nutrena Grand Prix, the feature class of Summer In The Rockies V. Earlier in the week Heineking won the $20,000 welcome stake as well on NKH Quanto.
Fifth to go in the six-horse jump-off, Heineking laid down the first clear round, but still kept his turns tidy enough to clock the overall quickest time as well.
“I think it was a pretty big track, as expected for $100,000,” he said “It was a little bit technical, but not too much so. It was a nice jump-off to end up with six.”
Last in the ring, Karen Cudmore rode Ceonto to a foot-perfect round to finish second. She qualified her 17-year-old stallion Southern Pride as well, who finished sixth. John Pearce’s Chianto, 19, jumped to third.
Heineking’s wife, Erin Heineking-Davis, also advanced to the jump-off on Alamo and finished fourth.
“I didn’t see her jump off,” said Heineking. “I looked and saw she was clean to the triple bar then I saw the last one come down.
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“It’s really nice to be able to compete together,” he continued. “We’re always working together at home, and when there’s time in the ring, of course we watch and help each other.”
Heineking holds a German passport but operates his Heineking Show Stables at October Hill Farm in Weatherford Texas. Heineking’s had Cluny, an 11-year-old Oldenburg (Cash & Carry—Dorina, Starlight), for a little over a year. He’s competed through the FEI World Cup Qualifier-level, and according to Heinenking lately that horse has really been coming into his own.
“On course, he’s great,” said Heineking. “He always tries, and he’s really careful. At home he’s a little spooky, and in his regular work he can be a little bit lazy.”
Heineking’s goal will be to compete him at this September’s Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix (N.Y.). While it’s his first time heading to the HITS show in New York, he and Cluny have competed in million dollar classes at HITS Thermal (Calif.) and HITS Ocala (N.Y.).
“With the last two millions he got a lot more experience,” said Heineking. “They were back-to-back, and I think in Florida he got a little tired. But he’s much better conditioned now, and a little bit more seasoned. And hopefully I am too!
“I’m very happy with this result,” he continued. “It means a lot to me. It proves that our work at home is very consistent and very solid.”
To hear more, including more about how John Pearce keeps Chianto, 19, fit at this level of competition, check out the July 27 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse. For more photos check out a gallery of pictures from Thursday and Saturday.
