Scott Brash & Hello Forever take the Trofeo Banorte
Sunday 17 April 2016
It was another ideal day in Mexico City as LGCT wraps up a wonderful weekend of world-class show jumping. Starting with the Trofeo Banorte (Banorte Trophy), 1.50m, thirty-seven entries attempted to master the track set by Uliano Vezzani of Italy. Of the eight who qualified for the dazzlingly competitive jump-off, it was Scott Brash (GBR) who led the victory gallop aboard the scopey Oldenburg gelding Hello Forever.
First to go in the round against the clock was two-time LGCT champion and 2016 LGCT Grand Prix Gold Medalist Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) aboard the feisty mare Lintea Tequila. The pair set the track and time to beat, super quick and clean in 43.53.
Harrie Smolders (NED) on the gorgeous Zangherziede stallion Don VHP Z executed a smooth and slick ride in 46.73s, not fast enough. Hometown hero, amateur rider Antonio Chedraui (MEX) made a super effort on La Bamba, stopping the clock in 46.13 to take over the second spot. Not for long as Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) on the Selle Francais gelding G&C Quitador Rochelais turned up the heat, clean in 44.86, stealing the second spot from Chedraui.
Kent Farrington (USA) and Gazelle were on track to take over the lead, when a tight rollback turn came up a bit too quick, causing a surprise refusal. Demonstrating unbelievable scope, Hello Forever hopped each obstacle with ease carrying a slick pace that ultimately stopped the clock in 43.07s, .46 seconds faster than Tops-Alexander, slipping into the top spot by a slight margin for the win. Last to go, Jerome Guery (BEL) tried to catch the lead, having a rail along the way for four faults in 45.17.
Also a two-time LGCT Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Brash showed the audience his skill when he piloted Hello Forever to the top spot in a competitive race against the clock.
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