Wellington International is welcoming the world during Week 8 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), presented by IDA Development. Stamping their ticket in the number-one position for the JTWG, Inc. CSIO4* Grand Prix on Sunday, Alex Matz (USA) and Cashew CR were picture-perfect in the one-round qualifier. He and the 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II x Quinar Z) topped the $39,000 Adequan® CSIO4* WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 on Thursday afternoon for owner Dorothy A. Matz.
“I knew I had a naturally fast horse, and the track was proving to be quite difficult, so I did one to two in eight strides and I thought if I did that I would establish a good rhythm and then just get to take-off spots balanced and let him do the rest,” said Matz of the mount he’s been partnered with for the past eight years. “I feel like I know him like the back of my hand. He is a true winner, and he fights like no other horse I’ve ever ridden.”
Luke Jensen Conquers Hermès U25 Welcome
Luke Jensen (USA) kicked off Week 8 at WEF in the International Arena with a big win in the $10,000 Hermes U25 Welcome on Thursday aboard Fayuri AWR.
A field of 64 tackled a challenging Anthony D’Ambrosio-designed speed course all vying for a smooth, quick and clear round. It came down to Jensen and Fayuri AWR, a 2013 gelding (Favorit Ask x Larissa KB XXV CH) owned by Missy Clark & North Run, finishing on a time of 56.09 seconds. Second went to Zoe Cotner (BEL) and Lazy clocking in at 59 seconds flat, and third was Sofia Cady (USA) and ZG Bella coming in at 61.8 seconds.
Jensen was thrilled after his speedy winning round. “He’s such a sharp and careful horse, and he’s very attentive; paying attention to what’s going on and you can tell he’s excited to jump. He’s a fast horse, which we took advantage of today and it paid off.”
Click here for the full results
Source: Press Release
Photo©: Sportfot