Patricio Pasquel today paid tribute to his beloved horse Babel, following a victory that saw him qualify for what could be his second Grand Prix win in the famous International Ring.
Mexico’s Pasquel, who triumphed with prized gelding Babel in 2017’s RBC Grand Prix here, came first in this afternoon’s Recon Metal Cup qualifier following a jump-off against 11 other riders who emerged from a competition of 49 athletes.
This time it was atop Chakkalou PS (Diablo Blanco x Stakkatol), following Babel’s premature retirement in April.
“Babel loved it here,” recalled Pasquel, who raised the highly decorated Babel from a foal. “I would have loved to come here and then retire him, but unfortunately we had to send him to the pastures early.
“We had to retire him after an unfortunate accident. That was quite sad. But we’ve been working with this horse for a couple of years.
“He’s a very careful horse, he’s been coming along great.”
Pasquel also spoke of his joy at competing against his son, Patricio Pasquel Poo, 21, aboard Seringat, in today’s competition.
“It’s one of the most satisfying things in this sport that I can compete with my son,” Pasquel, 52, said. “Today was not his best day, but last week he jumped quite well.
“I’m telling him to take it easy, we still have three more big weeks (in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series tournaments).
Pasquel’s nephew, Francisco Pasquel Vega, with Dominant 2000 Z, was also in today’s contest. He finished the prelimary round 29th, while Pasquel Poo arrived at 44th, on the 13 obstacle, 16 effort course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr.
When he wasn’t busy dominating the ring, the senior Pasquel was spotted racing around the vast grounds of Spruce Meadows on his bicycle.
“We’ve been here a couple of years, so we know what to bring,” said Pasquel. “A good jacket, rain gear, and a nice bike.”
On Stage John Perez Bohm and KWPN-mare, Gigi-Carmen (Bacardi VDL x Oklund) followed, while Sameh El Dahan completed the stage aboard WKD Aimez Moi (Je t'Aime Flamenco x Le Tot de Semilly).
Mexico’s Pasquel, who triumphed with prized gelding Babel in 2017’s RBC Grand Prix here, came first in this afternoon’s Recon Metal Cup qualifier following a jump-off against 11 other riders who emerged from a competition of 49 athletes.
This time it was atop Chakkalou PS (Diablo Blanco x Stakkatol), following Babel’s premature retirement in April.
“Babel loved it here,” recalled Pasquel, who raised the highly decorated Babel from a foal. “I would have loved to come here and then retire him, but unfortunately we had to send him to the pastures early.
“We had to retire him after an unfortunate accident. That was quite sad. But we’ve been working with this horse for a couple of years.
“He’s a very careful horse, he’s been coming along great.”
Pasquel also spoke of his joy at competing against his son, Patricio Pasquel Poo, 21, aboard Seringat, in today’s competition.
“It’s one of the most satisfying things in this sport that I can compete with my son,” Pasquel, 52, said. “Today was not his best day, but last week he jumped quite well.
“I’m telling him to take it easy, we still have three more big weeks (in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series tournaments).
Pasquel’s nephew, Francisco Pasquel Vega, with Dominant 2000 Z, was also in today’s contest. He finished the prelimary round 29th, while Pasquel Poo arrived at 44th, on the 13 obstacle, 16 effort course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr.
When he wasn’t busy dominating the ring, the senior Pasquel was spotted racing around the vast grounds of Spruce Meadows on his bicycle.
“We’ve been here a couple of years, so we know what to bring,” said Pasquel. “A good jacket, rain gear, and a nice bike.”
On Stage John Perez Bohm and KWPN-mare, Gigi-Carmen (Bacardi VDL x Oklund) followed, while Sameh El Dahan completed the stage aboard WKD Aimez Moi (Je t'Aime Flamenco x Le Tot de Semilly).