Nayel Nassar Can’t Be Caught in Southern Arches CSI3* Grand Prix at Wellington International
Claiming his first-ever ‘Saturday Night Lights’ victory at Wellington International, Egyptian Olympian Nayel Nassar topped the $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* Grand Prix riding ESI Ali during week one of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Highlighted by 12 weeks of consecutive FEI competition, WEF continues through March 30 in Wellington, FL.
“This one feels great,” said a beaming Nassar after his win. “It’s always special to win here, and I’ve come close a few times but never won under the lights. This was my horse’s first time jumping at night, so I didn’t know what to expect but he impressed us all.”
Nassar’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Stakkato Gold appeared to rise to the occasion 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 less than six tenths of a second. Michael & Wendy Smith’s High Star Hero carried Ward to the runner-up finish. The 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Zazu x Darco) stopped the clock at 37.92 seconds.
After winning the $30,000 CPKC National Grand Prix earlier in the afternoon, Colombia’s Mark Bluman ended a banner day with a podium finish under the lights riding Concare PS for owner Norma Leticia Coello Garrido. Their time clocked in at 38.24 seconds.
Fourteen horses advanced to course designer Nick Granat’s (USA) jump-off track, setting the stage for a fierce speed battle. The times got quicker and quicker as the final round progressed, but none could catch Nassar.
“In the jump-off, I try to set my pace early—once you put him in gear, you don’t have to do a whole lot,” said Nassar of the horse that was found for him as an eight year old by fellow Evergate Stables rider and former world no. 1 Harrie Smolders. “I came out of the ring and everyone told me he didn’t look that fast, but he has an amazing way of covering the ground and a natural rhythm that once you set him off, you just have to steer and avoid the jumps. If I can match everyone else’s strides, he comes out a little bit quicker.
“I only caught part of Mclain’s jump-off on the screen but he’s always so fast,” continued Nassar. “The eight to the last was a must and luckily we were able to get it done.”
Read more:
Nayel Nassar Can’t Be Caught in Southern Arches CSI3* Grand Prix at Wellington International
