Riding out of the 53rd spot in the order of 76 entries, Ray Texel (USA) and Baldira, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare by Baloubet du Rouet x Carthago, secured the win with a clear round and the fastest time of 63.60 seconds in the Wipro Cup 1.45m on the first day of the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ CSI 5* Tournament on Thursday, June 16th, 2016. Texel just slipped past Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle, who recorded a time of 63.94 seconds for second place in the speed competition. Third place went to Ian Millar (USA) and Baranus who were clear in 64.96 seconds. Nick Dello Joio (USA) and Contiki were fourth in 65.07 seconds, and Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Special Lux were fifth with a time of 66.13 seconds that resulted in one time fault. Owner Paul Schockemohle and friend Florian Meyer zu Hartum sent Baldira to Texel just over a year ago. Schockemohle has stayed as an owner, along with a new owner, Katie Harris, one of Texel’s clients. “I think from my previous results with Fleur, ages ago, I’ve been labeled as good with hot mares,” Texel said with a smile. “It’s a great relationship. The mare and I have now had sufficient time to really get to know each other. We had a nice couple of weeks in Vancouver. She was jumping beautifully. After the week off for her, for me to arrive and have a nice, solid day like this, I couldn’t be happier. We have a great team of people.” Competing in the Meadows on the Green worked out well for Baldira, said Texel. The open grass field and large, wide jumps give Baldira pause and instead of fighting against her rider, she pays attention and respects the course.
“I allow her to carry me and let the jumps be her fight.”
Riding out of the 53rd spot in the order of 76 entries, Ray Texel (USA) and Baldira, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare by Baloubet du Rouet x Carthago, secured the win with a clear round and the fastest time of 63.60 seconds in the Wipro Cup 1.45m on the first day of the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ CSI 5* Tournament on Thursday, June 16th, 2016. Texel just slipped past Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle, who recorded a time of 63.94 seconds for second place in the speed competition. Third place went to Ian Millar (USA) and Baranus who were clear in 64.96 seconds. Nick Dello Joio (USA) and Contiki were fourth in 65.07 seconds, and Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Special Lux were fifth with a time of 66.13 seconds that resulted in one time fault. Owner Paul Schockemohle and friend Florian Meyer zu Hartum sent Baldira to Texel just over a year ago. Schockemohle has stayed as an owner, along with a new owner, Katie Harris, one of Texel’s clients. “I think from my previous results with Fleur, ages ago, I’ve been labeled as good with hot mares,” Texel said with a smile. “It’s a great relationship. The mare and I have now had sufficient time to really get to know each other. We had a nice couple of weeks in Vancouver. She was jumping beautifully. After the week off for her, for me to arrive and have a nice, solid day like this, I couldn’t be happier. We have a great team of people.” Competing in the Meadows on the Green worked out well for Baldira, said Texel. The open grass field and large, wide jumps give Baldira pause and instead of fighting against her rider, she pays attention and respects the course.
“I allow her to carry me and let the jumps be her fight.”