Preparing for a return to the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L next month, Bec Braitling’s plan to “run quick here” with Caravaggio II was part of a shake-up in the standings that ultimately gave her a win in the Galway Downs International CCI4*-S on Saturday.

The California-based Australian rider was thrilled with her 30.4 dressage score aboard the 14-year-old British Sport Horse (Vangelis-S—Courtesan, Handstreich) that she co-owns with Arnell Sporthorses LLC, though less so with an uncharacteristic rail in show jumping. 

In the final cross-country phase, Braitling said European show mileage last year accelerated her ability to “be brave with his really big stride.” 

“He sets himself up really well, and I’m learning to not mess it up,” she said. 

At 6:44 minutes, they were the fastest four-star finishers, incurring 13.2 time penalties, to move up from fourth place to first. 

“I get excited when I see a course I can get a lot out of,” Braitling said. “I loved the flow. It was really good with distances that helped me with forward riding and plenty of places to challenge me to be brave in the turns.” 

Watch their winning cross-country round here, courtesy of USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.tv:

The win gives Braitling 40 qualifying points for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October. “It’s definitely a big goal for this year.” 

Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z moved from sixth to second at Galway, and Megan McIver and Igor B kept their overnight third rank, while overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Kynan didn’t push for time over Clayton Fredericks’ widely praised cross-country course.

“It’s safe to say that ‘Z’ blew everybody’s expectations away,” said Tommy Greengard of the 8-year-old Zangersheide in his first advanced-level outing. “I felt like he was well prepared for the level, but you never know,” said Greengard. “He finished as well as he started.” 

See full results here.