Not even steady rain could dampen the competitive spirit during the 1.50m CSI5* Welcome class at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Los Angeles. In this two-phase competition, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet jumped straight to victory aboard his 13-year-old mare Argentina de la Marchette (Acajou de la Marchette), bred by Hubert Wathelet.
There was simply no stopping the Belgian rider and his lightning-quick mare.
“Argentina has been delivering strong results for months,” Wathelet explained. “For me, it was quite a delicate course. She’s naturally very fast, and luckily she was completely on my side today.”
Wathelet also praised the evolution of the American showjumping scene:
“The shows in the United States are really developing in a positive way. I must admit, I came to California for the sun—but with all this rain, I somehow feel more at home than ever,” he added with a laugh.
The podium was completed by Nina Mallevaey, who finished second riding Dynastie de Beaufour (Diamant de Semilly), bred by Eric Levallois. Michael Duffy secured third place aboard the 9-year-old AES gelding BE Sky Hawk (Golden Hawk).
Just outside the top three, McLain Ward claimed fourth place with his 12-year-old mare First Lady (Don Diarado). He finished ahead of fellow American Stella Wasserman, who piloted Precious Dwerse Hagen (Cornet Obolensky), formerly ridden by Olivier Philippaerts.
