At the international CSI4* competition in Wellington yesterday, it was Simon McCarthy who took home the big prize. Riding the 12-year-old mare Gotcha (by Stakkato), the Irishman was too fast for his competition over 1.45m high obstacles.
In this four-star class, the stakes were high with a prize pot of $39,000 to be divided. Simon McCarthy (IRL) was the one victorious, jumping clear in 57.28 seconds with Gotcha (by Stakkato). With that time they held off their compatriot, David O'Brien (IRL). The Irishman finished with El Balou Old (by Eldorado van de Zeshoek) in 58.68 seconds and was second. The podium was complete with Richard Vogel (GER) who stranded at three in the saddle of Jonage LVP (by Canturano I), they stopped the clock at 59.83 seconds.
Just off the podium we saw Roberto Teran Tafur on four with BP Wakita, Isabella Russekoff (USA) rounded out the top five on Balou's Fly High (by Balou du Rouet).
In the 1.45m Qualifier, victory came to Eugenio Garza Perez after an exciting jump-off. Riding Chalourie PS, he finished in 31.86 and held off a strong American field of competitors. Laura Chapot (USA) had to settle for second place on Chandon Blue (by Chacco-Blue) followed by Nikko Ritter (USA) who put Aquiles del Caribe Z in third place.
Photo©: Sportfot