Minikus, who made a bid to qualify for the United States Olympic team last year and just missed out on making the final cut, now has the ride on a Rio veteran in Valinski S. The 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Nijinski x Rockina) that is owned by Wyndmont Farm competed at Rio 2016 for Australia’s Matt Williams, and in December surfaced with Minikus at the reins.
The victory was the second in a row for Minikus and Valinski S; they won the previous Sunday’s grand prix at PBIEC during the final, pre-season week before the Winter Equestrian Festival officially began. The $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup saw just 10 riders proceed to the jumpoff from Round 1.
The USA’s Marilyn Little had his time matched stride for stride, but she lost a fraction on the approach to the last fence, and finished clear in 2nd place aboard Clearwater after stopping the clocks in 38.33 seconds.
Venezuela’s Emanuel Andrade finished 3rd with Dipssy, and Shane Sweetnam of Ireland was 4th with Cobalt. Emily Moffitt and Harriri rounded out the top five placings.
