Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti secured another victory today at PBIEC, this time in the $25,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Holiday II Grand Prix hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Genn, of Lebanon, OH, and Bugatti, who also won the $25,000 Noble Outfitters ESP Year End Grand Prix on December 6, finished atop the class with a time of 39.234 seconds in the jump-off round. Abigail McArdle, St. Charles, IL, and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve crossed the timers just behind in 40.344 seconds, while Ansgar Holtgers of Wellington, FL, and Wisconsin III took home third place honors in 44.171 seconds. Competition at PBIEC continues with the ESP Holiday III Series, which will conclude on Sunday, December 20, with the $25,000 Brazilian Court Holiday III Grand Prix beginning at 2pm. Genn and Bugatti have had a strong start to their winter season in Florida, collecting several top placings at PBIEC, showcasing their potential talent for the future. Bugatti, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Nona Bella), continues to excel in the 1.50m classes and seemed unfazed around the course, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). "I know that I've said this before but I really want him to just be consistent and have fun in these types of classes. I want to keep him at this height for a little bit longer and then try to take that next step to the bigger classes in the coming future," said Genn. "He's getting smarter and I really felt that today. He completely separated the jump-off and first round, which is what I had mentioned I was starting to feel two weeks ago. He's starting to understand that part and it is a huge step in his maturity. It makes me very excited." "I'm thinking about putting him in some of the bigger classes maybe towards the end of January during the WEF circuit and then just seeing how he feels after that," continued Genn. Genn and Bugatti mastered both tracks of the class and made quick work of the jump-off round, which saw the speedy McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve nearly catch their time as the last jump-off pair, but the duo would ultimately settle for second place. Bugatti, not known for his massive stride, was expertly piloted by Genn, who chose to take several risky turns on course to make up time.
