Nayel Nassar & ESI Ali. Picture © Sportfot
Claiming his first-ever ‘Saturday Night time Lights’ victory at Wellington Worldwide, Egyptian Olympian Nayel Nassar topped the $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* Grand Prix using ESI Ali throughout week one of many Winter Equestrian Competition (WEF).
“This one feels nice,” stated a beaming Nassar after his win. “It’s all the time particular to win right here, and I’ve come shut a couple of occasions however by no means gained beneath the lights. This was my horse’s first time leaping at night time, so I didn’t know what to anticipate, however he impressed us all.”
Nassar’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Stakkato Gold appeared to rise to the event with a ground-covering stride and heart-stopping turns. The Evergate Stables owned mount carried Nassar to a time of 37.35 seconds to pip six-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward by lower than six tenths of a second. Michael & Wendy Smith’s Excessive Star Hero carried Ward to the runner-up end. The 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Zazu x Darco) stopped the clock at 37.92 seconds.
After profitable the $30,000 CPKC Nationwide Grand Prix earlier within the afternoon, Colombia’s Mark Bluman ended a banner day with a podium end beneath the lights using Concare PS for proprietor Norma Leticia Coello Garrido. Their time clocked in at 38.24 seconds.
Fourteen horses superior to course designer Nick Granat’s (USA) jump-off monitor, setting the stage for a fierce velocity battle. The occasions obtained faster and faster as the ultimate spherical progressed, however none may catch Nassar.
Wellington Worldwide
information@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com