Simpson, Cook Top Pacific GP

By Staff Report October 11, 2015

Will Simpson and The Dude notched their third win at Del Mar, rocketing to the top in the $45,500 Grand Prix of the Pacific, presented by Copernicus Stables. In a jump off of eight, Simpson’s time of 39.59 seconds edged out Karl Cook and Tembla’s 40.21.

Cook is a frequent face in top placings, having placed fourth in the LA Saddlery 1.45M and second in the Del Mar Welcome Prix. Eric Navet and Jonkheer Z, another familiar pair in the winner’s circle, rounded out the top three with another clear jump-off round in a time of 41.81. Cook and Navet both ride for Signe Ostby.  Simpson and Monarch International’s The Dude won the 1.40m Jumper class and the $25,000 LA Saddlery 1.45m Speed Class earlier this week.

Steve Stephen’s beautiful course proved to be a fair trial for the teams that competed, with some tricky spots, including multiple combinations and three bending lines that took them around the entire arena, testing the athletes’ agility and stamina. The competition was thick, with Lauren Hough, Kent Farrington, Will Simpson, Jack Hardin Towell, Eric Navet, Eduardo Menezes, and many more making up a class of 31 starters in the afternoon’s FEI Grand Prix.

The jump-off course allowed the riders to open up their horses’ stride, covering a lot of ground. Of the eight that made it, Sayre Happy, on Ludwig’s Joker B, was the only other rider able to claim a double-clear.

The event concluded the week. The Del Mar International continues with two more weeks of showing, from West Palms Event Management, with Del Mar International World Cup Week Oct.  14-18 and Del Mar International HorsePark: Oct. 22-25.

 

Short URL: https://theequestriannews.com/?p=18822