Belgian showjumper Gregory Wathelet is making his trip to Thermal, USA, well worth the effort! Today, Wathelet jumped to victory in the 1.50m main class aboard the 14-year-old Argentina de la Marchette (Acajou de la Marchette). Earlier in the week, Wathelet and Argentina also secured a podium finish in the Grand Prix qualifier.
Wathelet won the class following an eleven-horse jump-off. Paired with the 14-year-old mare—bred by Hubert Wathelet—the Belgian finished ahead of Karl Cook and Kalinka van 't Zorgvliet (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve). This pair only just won last week's 1.45m CSI2* Grand Prix in Thermal. At the time, Cook mentioned that the mare felt great at the 1.45m level.
"She has already proven herself multiple times in the sport. After her injury, I never expected her to come back, but she seems to feel comfortable at this level, and that’s where we’re going to keep her!"
The duo was followed by Callie Schott and the 12-year-old sBs gelding Ironix (Curby du Seigneur, breeder: S.A. Seigneur).
Rounding out the top five spots were Vanessa Mannix with the 15-year-old BWP gelding Lehar (Verdi TN) in fourth, and Laura Hite with Aviator Z (Q Breitling LS) finishing in fifth.
