Over courses set by fellow Mexican, Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz, Perez piloted Dolcevita de Lacke, an 11-year-old Selle Français mare (Arko x Alligator Fontaine), to the top over a field of 59 riders. A competitive jump-off produced 16 double-clear rides, making the deciding factor speed. Fortunately for Perez, Dolcevita de Lacke – a horse she owns together with her trainer Ilan Ferder – has that in spades.
“I have a good team supporting me. That's the most important thing about all this success,” said 23-year-old Perez. “I'm so happy. I love this division because it’s a place where you can have experience with people your age. Some might have more experience than others, but it’s always good for new horses at this level and new riders moving up. It helps us to be ready for the two stars.”
When asked what she likes most about Dolcevita de Lacke, Perez noted, “I love that she's really spicy. She’s very sensitive, so she connects with her riders so fast. She has her own character, but I love spicy mares.
“Today, I think from one to two is where we won it,” continued Perez. “I had a really long distance to get there and she was so fast.”
Perez is having a banner season after also winning the 1/ST Racing CSI2* Grand Prix during WEF 5.
A single second separated the top three with Perez clocking it at 28.38 seconds. Finishing out the podium, Sofia Cady (USA) riding ZG Bella, owned by Twist Studio, LLC, took second on 28.49 seconds, and Carlee McCutcheon (USA) claimed third on Coco Mercedes, owned by Purple Rein Investments, in 29.43 seconds.
Tom Wachman claimed the BrainJuice U25 Welcome earlier in the week. Along with the win, his Coolmore Showjumping-owned mount, Obora’s Laura, was named the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award for WEF 6 by Laura Fetterman.
Closing out the week, Juan Manuel Gallego (COL) claimed the $25,000 CPKC National Grand Prix as the fastest double-clear from a five-horse jump-off riding his own Fee des Sequoias Z. British Olympic Champion Ben Maher took second on Corlander for owners Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, and Marilyn Little was third riding her own La Contessa.
