'National' - Day 2
June 13, 2024
Victory for Babel: Papa Pasquel Pays Tribute To Beloved Horse
Mexico’s Patricio beats son and nephew in Recon Metal Cup qualifier that could see him land his second RBC Grand Prix win.
A joyful Patricio Pasquel (MEX) with Chakkalou PS, following the Recon Metal Cup 1.55m Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
June 13, 2024
June 13, 2024 (Spruce Meadows) — Patricio Pasquel today paid tribute to his beloved horse Babel, following a victory that saw him qualify for what could be his second Grand Prix win in the famous International Ring.
Mexico’s Pasquel, who triumphed with prized gelding Babel in 2017’s RBC Grand Prix here, came first in this afternoon’s Recon Metal Cup qualifier following a jump-off against 11 other riders who emerged from a competition of 49 athletes.
This time it was atop Chakkalou PS, following Babel’s premature retirement in April.
“Babel loved it here,” recalled Pasquel, who raised the highly decorated Babel from a foal. “I would have loved to come here and then retire him, but unfortunately we had to send him to the pastures early.
“We had to retire him after an unfortunate accident. That was quite sad. But we’ve been working with this horse for a couple of years.
“He’s a very careful horse, he’s been coming along great.”
Pasquel also spoke of his joy at competing against his son, Patricio Pasquel Poo, 21, aboard Seringat, in today’s competition.
“It’s one of the most satisfying things in this sport that I can compete with my son,” Pasquel, 52, said. “Today was not his best day, but last week he jumped quite well.
“I’m telling him to take it easy, we still have three more big weeks (in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series tournaments).
Pasquel’s nephew, Francisco Pasquel Vega, with Dominant 2000 Z, was also in today’s contest. He finished the prelimary round 29th, while Pasquel Poo arrived at 44th, on the 13 obstacle, 16 effort course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr.
When he wasn’t busy dominating the ring, the senior Pasquel was spotted racing around the vast grounds of Spruce Meadows on his bicycle.
“We’ve been here a couple of years, so we know what to bring,” said Pasquel. “A good jacket, rain gear, and a nice bike.”
Recon Metal Cup winner Pasquel will fight for glory in this year’s RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, on Saturday afternoon in the International Ring.
He will be joined by 39 other riders including John Perez Bohm (COL), who came second with Gigi-Carmen, in today’s event, and Sameh El Dahan (GBR), who was third, with WKD Aimez Moi.
Robert Blanchette (IRE) and Coupis Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis
Make Robert’s A Double
Blanchette comes first…twice
Ireland’s Robert Blanchette struck gold twice today, topping the leaderboard in both the Coril Holdings 1.45m and the Mercer Cup 1.40m competitions on the All Canada Ring.
His first win, in the 1.45m, came aboard Coupis, who also helped Blanchette secure a victory on day two of last week’s ‘Continental,’ presented by Rolex, in the 1.40m Coril Holdings test.
Blanchette’s second win today came on the back of Abra Kadabra VD Heide Z, winning the jump-off ahead of Blythe Karolyi (USA) on Kingston, and last week’s Duncan Ross Grand Prix winner, Vaclav Stanek, with other horse Jameson.
The final event on the All Canada Ring today, The Herd Junior/Amateur 1.40m was won by Charlie Jacobs (USA), aboard Camila 111, followed by Luis Alejandro Plascencia O, with Zara Del Pinar, in second. Canada’s Sutton Friesen, on Adare Ya To, came third.
For complete results from today visit: sprucemeadows.com/live/
Charlie Jacobs (USA) with Camila 111 Spruce Meadows Media/David Moll
From A Billion-Dollar Boy To A Triple-Header Of Canadians
Today’s action on the All Alberta Ring
Mandy Porter (USA), on Billion Dollar Billy, was victorious in the Coril Holdings 1.20m competition today, while her fellow American Bridget Ennevor, with Vestale VD Windeweg Z, claimed first in the Coril Holdings 1.20m Junior/Amateur test.
Elizabeth Pedley, also of the USA, aboard Bouty Star KZ, nabbed top spot in the Coril Holdings 1.10m.
But the 1.00m Coril Holdings was owned by the Canadians, with Clara Zdunich and Snow Lady coming first, followed by Brian Morton, on Ormette H&H, in second, and Shawna Dunn, on Spartecup, in third.
Bridget Ennevor (USA) and Vestale VD Windeweg Z Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Mandy Porter (USA) and Billion Dollar Billy Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Elizabeth Pedley (USA) and Bouty Star KZ Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Clara Zdunich (CAN) with Snow Lady Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko
Justin Prather (CAN) and Grazie came first in the Coril Holdings 1.30m on the Chinook Ring
Spruce Meadows Media/David Moll
Georgia Knight (CAN), with Ecolano Vs Romano, won the 1.30m Coril Holdings Junior/Amateur competition on the Chinook Ring.
Spruce Meadows Media/David Moll
