Mandy Porter Hits Her Stride to Win $50,000 National Grand Prix
Mandy Porter and Cadeau Z keep getting better and better.
During the National Sunshine Series, they rode to top-five finishes in each of the national grand prixs, but during week two of Desert Holiday, they made it to the winner’s circle in the $50,000 Go Rentals Grand Prix on Sunday morning.
Mandy Porter and Cadeau Z. Photo by ESI Photography
“We’re just really getting to know each other better and better each time out,” Porter said of her relationship with the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Risen EQ Holdings LLC. “Today we were able to go a little faster and a little bit more in unison.”
Porter was one of five to jump clear over Alan Wade’s track in the first round. She was the final clear effort, putting her in pole position as the jump-off arrived. Karrie Rufer held the lead at the time with Stern Dei Folletti, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses, but Porter did what she had to do, shaving only one-tenth of a second off the leading time.
“After watching Karrie I didn’t really think I was going to be faster than she was but this horse has a heart of gold,” Porter continued. “He’s such a trier; he was better in the jump-off than in the first round even. I’m super lucky right now to have really great people that are backing me. It’s a lot of fun. Big thank-you to the owners.”
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