From a nine-horse jump-off over tracks designed by Anthony d’Ambrosio (USA), Cook and his 14-year-old Selle Français mare (Zandor Z x Kannan*GFE) owned by Eric Navet and Signe Ostby, stopped the clock at 34.90 seconds. Coming off two-star grand prix success during WEF 5, Hilary McNerney (USA) rode Corlando, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Corporal VDL x Laptop), to second in 37.05 seconds. 

Mexico’s Alberto Michan rounded out the podium on Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Canabis Z AKZ x VDL Cardento 933), finishing third in 37.44 seconds. 

This week marks Cook’s first trip to Wellington this season to use the two-star competition as preparation for the Wellington Nations Cup next week.

“The goal this week was to get her into the ring and make her feel like she’s in the game again,” said Cook of the mare that last competed at the end of January. “Our big goal this year is the World Games, so every single one of our decisions is geared toward putting us in the best place for Aachen.”

When asked where he took the win, Cook said, “I watched Hillary, and she was really fast, but the difference between Caracole and Hillary’s round is that we are a little tighter in the track. While it might not look like we’re going that fast, when you compare the two rounds, having that shorter track makes you save so much more time.”

Looking ahead to next week, Cook concluded, “This is my only home Nations Cup this year, and Saturday nights here always have a great crowd, great atmosphere, and everyone gets behind it. I’m feeling in a really good place.”

For full results of the $32,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.45m, click HERE.